Extreme cold warning: Twin Cities wind chills –30 to –50°F Thursday–Friday
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning from Thursday evening through Friday morning for much of Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, with wind chills forecast in the -30°F to -50°F range Thursday night. Frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes, and the Twin Cities’ forecast high Friday is about -8°F (which would tie for the third-coldest high since 2000) with subzero readings lingering into Saturday.
📌 Key Facts
- The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold warning (not a watch) for much of Minnesota from Thursday evening through Friday morning.
- Twin Cities and large parts of the state are forecast to see wind chills of about -30°F to -50°F Thursday night into Friday.
- Frostbite is possible on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes under the expected wind‑chill conditions.
- Friday’s forecast high for the Twin Cities is around -8°F — which, if verified, would tie for the third-coldest high since 2000.
- Subzero temperatures are expected to persist into Saturday following the extreme-cold episode.
📊 Relevant Data
In 2025, Minnesota recorded 67 traffic fatalities in the winter months of January, February, and December, representing about 18% of the year's total 370 fatalities.
Fatal crash numbers — Minnesota Department of Public Safety
During the January 2019 polar vortex, day-ahead on-peak electricity prices in the Upper Midwest reached $300 to $400 per MWh due to high power demand from extreme cold.
Extreme cold in the Midwest led to high power demand and record natural gas withdrawal — U.S. Energy Information Administration
The 2025 Point-in-Time count found 8,392 individuals experiencing homelessness in Minnesota, a group with higher risk of cold-related illnesses.
2025 Point-in-Time Count Results — Minnesota's HMIS
In 2022, Minnesota saw 1,055 cases of superficial frostbite and 114 more serious cases during frigid weather.
New frostbite drug could save Minnesota lives and limbs — Star Tribune
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- NWS has issued an extreme cold warning (not just a watch) from Thursday evening through Friday morning for much of Minnesota.
- Wind chills are now forecast in the 30–50 below zero range Thursday night, with frostbite possible on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
- Friday’s forecast high for the Twin Cities is about –8°F, which would tie for the third-coldest high since 2000 if it verifies, with subzero temperatures lingering into Saturday.