Minneapolis residents are bracing for extreme cold weather conditions this week. According to the National Weather Service, the city is expected to experience dangerously cold air with wind chill values as low as -35 degrees Fahrenheit. On Washington's Birthday, the forecast for Minneapolis, MN, suggests a mostly sunny and cold day with a high near -2 degrees and wind chill values dropping severely low.
Monday night is forecasted to be mostly clear, with temperatures diving to around -19 degrees and wind chills matching the bone-chilling low of the day. "Dangerously cold air will move in tonight," stated the Hazardous Weather Outlook released by the National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN, warning that an Extreme Cold Warning is to quickly follow.
The week's outlook indicates an unrelenting cold spell, with Tuesday expected to have a high near 3 degrees but will feel significantly colder due to the wind chill. Heading into Tuesday night, the mercury is slated to dip to -12 degrees with a relatively warmer, yet still frigid, wind chill of around -25 degrees. By Thursday, a warming trend is predicted to somewhat ease the grip of the cold, with sunny skies and a high near 11 degrees.
Moving towards the weekend, a gradual warming will continue, with Friday's forecast showing mostly sunny conditions and a high of about 17 degrees. The National Weather Service advises people to "dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside." They emphasize the need for precautions against the dangerously cold conditions, which could "cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes." Residents must make sure to not only protect themselves but also keep check on vulnerable groups and pets during this extreme weather period.
The cold weather advisories and warnings have prompted recommendations for residents to wear appropriate clothing and to keep pets indoors. Saturday and Sunday promise some respite as temperatures climb to highs near 27 degrees and 39 degrees respectively, offering a break from the preceding days' subzero chilliness. However, citizens are reminded to stay vigilant as adverse conditions could still arise unexpectedly.
