Minneapolis Faces Life-Threatening Wind Chill, Residents Warned Of Extreme Cold Snap

Minneapolis Faces Life-Threatening Wind Chill, Residents Warned Of Extreme Cold Snap

Residents of Minneapolis and surrounding areas are bracing for a severe cold snap, with forecasters warning of potentially life-threatening wind chill values. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), conditions today will see sunny skies but frigid temperatures, with a high near 8 degrees and wind chill values plummeting as low as -14.

The situation is expected to worsen tonight, where partly cloudy skies will give way to a low around -12 degrees, and "Dangerously cold wind chill values are expected to develop this evening, with values between 25 below and 35 degrees below zero tonight," as stated in a Hazardous Weather Outlook released by NWS. Gusts could reach as high as 30 mph, exacerbating the bone-chilling effect. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution and dress in appropriate winter gear – including a hat, and gloves – if venturing outdoors.

The cold weather advisory, which remains in effect from 9:00 p.m. this evening till noon CST Tuesday, covers a broad area that includes central, east central, south central, southeast, southwest, and west central Minnesota, along with northwest, and west central Wisconsin. It warns of "very cold wind chills as low as 35 below expected," which presents potential for hypothermia if precautions are not taken.

This advisory underscores the risks associated with the frosty conditions. "Hypothermia is possible if precautions are not taken," the NWS advises. With wind chill values on Sunday night through Monday morning expected to be the coldest, hitting a staggering range of 30 below to 40 degrees below zero – the situation demands close attention to weather updates and adherence to safety measures.

The frigid forecast extends with cold temperatures persisting until at least Tuesday. Minneapolis will see sunny, and cold conditions with Tuesday's high near 4 degrees, before temperatures begin to rise midweek, offering a slight respite in the form of 23 degrees on Wednesday. The community is encouraged to stay tuned for updates and keep safety a top priority as the region navigates through this blast of Arctic air.

SOURCE: hoodline