Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan to Face Extreme Arctic Blast Tonight With Temperatures 30–35 Degrees Below Average
MIDWEST UNITED STATES — A powerful Arctic air mass is plunging temperatures to levels 30–35 degrees below normal across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan, marking one of the most severe December cold outbreaks in recent years. Weather models show that a broad section of the Midwest will experience single-digit highs, sub-zero lows, and widespread dangerously cold wind chills through tonight and early Sunday.
Forecasters warn that the cold anomaly centered directly over the Midwest is unusually intense for mid-December, with temperature departures more typical of deep January cold waves. The ECMWF model shows large swaths of the region falling into −20°F to −30°F wind chills, particularly during overnight and early-morning hours.
Massive Arctic Outbreak Driving the Extreme Cold
This cold surge originates from a strong displacement of Arctic air that has pushed deep into the central United States. Temperature anomaly maps show the core of the cold centered over Minnesota, northern Iowa, Wisconsin, and parts of Michigan — regions experiencing temperature departures of 35 degrees below climatological averages.
Illinois, particularly northern and central sections, is also expected to fall sharply below normal, with Chicago and surrounding areas registering widespread sub-zero wind chills by early Sunday.
Frostbite Risk Increases as Wind Chills Plunge
Wind chills across the hardest-hit areas are projected to fall to −20°F to −35°F, a level at which frostbite can develop in as little as 10–20 minutes if skin is exposed. Emergency officials across multiple Midwestern states urge residents to:
- Limit time outdoors
- Wear thermal layers
- Cover hands, face, and ears
- Keep pets indoors whenever possible
The extreme cold is expected to impact travel, morning commutes, and holiday preparations across the region.
How Long Will the Cold Last?
Most models indicate the Arctic blast will persist into early Monday before a gradual warming trend moves into parts of the Midwest. However, the long-range pattern suggests additional cold episodes could redevelop later in December, keeping the region under an active winter setup.
Stay Prepared and Stay Safe
With dangerously low temperatures sweeping across the Midwest, residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts, practice cold-weather safety, and check on those who may need assistance.
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