Minnesotans, it’s about to get dangerously cold. An Arctic air mass is moving in late Sunday, bringing some of the most extreme wind chills we’ve seen in years—as low as -43°F.
This isn’t just the kind of cold that makes your face sting—this is frostbite-in-minutes kind of cold. If you’re outside without proper gear, it could become a serious, even life-threatening, situation fast.
What to Expect
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning, and here’s why:
Wind Chills That Could Freeze Skin in Minutes – The actual air temperature will be well below zero, but the wind will make it feel much worse. At -43°F, frostbite can happen in as little as five minutes if your skin is exposed.
Record-Breaking Lows – Sunday’s high in Minneapolis will barely hit 8°F, but once the sun sets, temperatures will plummet to -12°F, with wind chills as cold as -26°F. Monday won’t be any better, with highs struggling to reach -1°F and wind chills as brutal as -28°F or lower.
Treacherous Travel Conditions – While snow isn’t the big concern this time, icy roads and extreme cold make any car trouble extremely dangerous. If you get stranded, you could be exposed to life-threatening cold within minutes.
Frozen Pipes & Power Outages – This kind of deep freeze can burst pipes and strain power grids, potentially leading to outages. Now’s the time to winter-proof your home before it’s too late.
How to Stay Safe (and Avoid Freezing Your Face Off)
Stay Inside if You Can – If you don’t absolutely need to go outside, don’t. This cold isn’t just unpleasant—it’s dangerous.
Layer Up Like a Pro – If you must go out, wear multiple layers, a thick coat, gloves, a hat, and a scarf to cover every inch of skin. This isn’t the time to “tough it out”—protect yourself.
Be Prepared for Possible Power Outages – Stock up on blankets, batteries, flashlights, and non-perishable food just in case.
Prevent Frozen Pipes – Open cabinet doors under sinks, let faucets drip, and keep the heat on. A frozen pipe can turn into a burst pipe in no time.
Know the Signs of Frostbite & Hypothermia –
- Frostbite: White or grayish skin, numbness, a waxy texture.
- Hypothermia: Uncontrollable shivering, confusion, slurred speech.
If you notice these signs, get inside and warm up immediately.
Only Drive If Necessary – If you must travel, keep a winter survival kit in your car with blankets, food, water, and warm clothes. Let someone know your route in case you get stuck.
Check on Neighbors & Pets – The elderly, young kids, and pets are especially vulnerable. Make sure they’re warm and safe. No pet should be left outside in these conditions—this kind of cold is deadly.
We’ve seen some brutal winters, but this Arctic blast is no joke. With wind chills this extreme, even stepping outside unprepared could be dangerous.
