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Published on January 20, 2025
Twin Cities Alert: Dangerous -40 Wind Chills Forecasted, Residents Advised to Take PrecautionsSource: BpA9543, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Twin Cities are bracing for a chill worthy of the heartiest Midwesterner this week, as forecasters warn of dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills that could drop as low as 40 degrees below zero. According to the National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN, M.L.King Day in Minneapolis will be partly sunny and cold, with highs hovering around -7 degrees. But don't let the sunshine fool you – wind chill values may reach a biting -29 degrees.

As the night descends, so does the mercury, with temperatures expected to plunge near -18 degrees, and wind chills potentially dropping to -34. Come Tuesday, the city will see increasing clouds and a slight reprieve in temperature with a high near 7, but wind chill values will remain alarmingly low, forecast to be as low as -32. A 20 percent chance of snow is also on the horizon for Tuesday night, adding to an already frigid week.

The Hazardous Weather Outlook issued by the National Weather Service cautions residents about the "dangerously cold wind chill values between 25 and 40 degrees below zero" expected today and tonight. Residents are advised to take all necessary precautions to protect themselves from the extreme cold, which is set to persist through the week.

The Cold Weather Advisory stresses the severity of the conditions, noting "The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes." Those who must venture outdoors are urged to dress in layers and include wind-resistant outerwear, as well as a hat, face mask, and gloves. The advisory also recommends keeping pets indoors as much as possible and checking on vulnerable community members who may be at heightened risk from the severe cold.

Looking ahead, the latter half of the week offers only a modest easing of the arctic grip, with Wednesday's forecast featuring mostly cloudy skies and a higher, yet still chilly high near 25 degrees. Northwest winds in the afternoon are expected to remind citizens that winter in Minnesota is a long, unyielding season. So bundle up, Twin Cities, and stay warm and safe as the cold snap continues its icy embrace.