Severe Cold Weather Hits Minnesota and Wisconsin: Advisory Issued

BALTIMORE, MD — An urgent cold weather advisory has been issued for east central, south central, and southeast Minnesota, as well as northwest and west central Wisconsin, starting at midnight tonight until 10 a.m. CST Monday. Following this advisory, an extreme cold watch will be in effect from late Monday night through Tuesday morning.

The advisory warns of dangerously cold wind chills, with temperatures expected to plunge to as low as 39 below zero. For the duration of the advisory, wind chills could reach as low as 33 below. These conditions pose serious health risks, including the potential for frostbite on exposed skin in just 10 minutes.

The National Weather Service encourages residents to take necessary precautions. “Dress in layers, including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside,” an announcement cautioned. Travelers should exercise caution and dress appropriately for the extreme cold.

As temperatures drop, residents are reminded to stay informed about the weather conditions and to act responsibly. “It’s critical to be prepared for such extreme weather,” a representative from the Weather Service stated. “People should limit outdoor activities and watch for signs of frostbite or hypothermia.”

Local authorities advise assessing the reliability of heating systems and checking on vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those with health conditions. Staying indoors as much as possible is highly encouraged as frigid temperatures can pose significant hazards.