Extreme Cold Watch to hit Twin Cities Thursday night
FOX 9 reports that much of Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, will be under an Extreme Cold Watch from 9 p.m. Thursday until noon Saturday, with wind chills potentially dropping as low as −45°F. Forecasters say frostbite on exposed skin will be possible in as little as 10 minutes, with Friday’s high around −8°F and some locations dipping into double‑digit subzero readings. Ahead of the Arctic blast, Tuesday will be cloudy with a high near 13°F and only a few flakes possible in the metro, while a southern Minnesota system brings light snow mainly south and an inch of 'fluff' possible in the Twin Cities Wednesday with highs in the low 20s. Residents are being urged to use the brief midweek lull to prepare for dangerous cold later in the week, especially those who work outdoors, ride transit, or lack reliable heat. The watch underscores ongoing winter hazards in the metro after earlier subzero outbreaks and will likely influence decisions on school, shelter capacity, and warming‑center operations.
📌 Key Facts
- Extreme Cold Watch runs from 9 p.m. Thursday to noon Saturday across much of Minnesota, including the Twin Cities.
- Wind chills could fall to around −45°F, creating frostbite risk on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
- Friday’s high temperature in the metro is forecast near −8°F, with some areas reaching double‑digit subzero lows.
- Light snow is possible Tuesday evening mainly in southern Minnesota, with up to 1 inch of snow in the Twin Cities on Wednesday and highs around 22°F before temperatures plunge.
📊 Relevant Data
The frequency of extremely cold temperatures, such as -25°F readings in southern Minnesota and -35°F in northern Minnesota, has decreased by up to 90% due to long-term climate trends.
Climate trends — Minnesota DNR
From 2002 to 2019, cold-related illnesses directly accounted for 588 deaths in Minnesota, with annual numbers varying, such as 44 in 2016 increasing to 62 in 2019.
Cold-related deaths in Minnesota — MN Data
In 2019, males in Minnesota died from cold-related causes at a rate 2.8 times higher than females.
Cold-related deaths in Minnesota — MN Data
Individuals aged 65 and older in Minnesota have the highest rates of cold-related deaths for both genders.
Cold-related deaths in Minnesota — MN Data
Unhoused individuals have a higher adjusted odds ratio of temperature-related illness diagnosis at emergency department visits compared to housed individuals.
Association between Homelessness and Temperature-Related Injuries — American Meteorological Society
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time