Residents of the Twin Cities and surrounding areas are bracing for a bout of extreme cold that threatens to drop wind chill values to perilously low levels. According to the National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN, the forecast for Minneapolis, MN has daytime highs hovering just a few degrees above the zero mark, with particularly harsh conditions expected overnight. As the mercury plummets, wind chill values are set to dive as low as -30 degrees.
The National Weather Service has issued a Cold Weather Advisory starting from midnight, warning of very cold wind chills reaching as low as 33 below zero. Compounding the situation, an Extreme Cold Watch is slated to take effect from late Monday night through Tuesday morning with the potential for dangerously cold wind chills that could sink to 39 below zero. In a statement released by the National Weather Service, residents are advised to "Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside."
While Monday brings a frigid high of just -2 degrees, the subsequent nights are forecast to be equally unforgiving with lows around -18 degrees and wind chill values that could frostbite uncovered skin in mere minutes. The middle of the week promises little respite; Wednesday's high is expected to be near only 5 degrees with cloudy conditions meting out additional cold.
As the cold snap seizes hold across the region, community members are urged to exercise caution during their travel outside and to don appropriate attire — "a hat, and gloves" are emphasized by the National Weather Service. With wind chills forecasted to potentially dip as low as 40 below zero, these measures are not merely a comfort but a necessity to prevent the serious risk of frostbite.
Looking ahead, there is a glimmer of moderation with Thursday's forecast to be mostly sunny and a high nearing 11 degrees. The swing continues into the weekend, with temperatures expected to warm considerably. Saturday is poised to feel almost balmy with a mostly sunny high near 24 degrees, offering a brief respite from the teeth-chattering cold that grips much of the week.
