Central Minnesota to Get a Visit from Old Man Winter as Dangerous Cold Snap Arrives

(KNSI) – Dangerously cold air is headed for central Minnesota starting Friday afternoon.

The National Weather Service says temperatures will rise into the mid 30s through late this morning and then begin to fall into the low 20s. Snow showers are expected ahead of a strong cold front followed by an Arctic high pressure system that will usher in frigid air and gusty winds.

The overnight low Friday night into Saturday morning is predicted to be around -3, with winds gusting around 40 miles an hour, driving windchills to the 20s below zero. Saturday, the area should see sunshine with a high in the low single digits above zero, but those gusty northwest winds will keep windchills around -25. The overnight low air temperature Saturday night will be in the teens below zero. With air that cold, any breath of wind will send the windchills plunging. Forecasters say to prepare for it to feel closer to -30. Starting Sunday, the area won’t reach zero until Tuesday, when the high is predicted to be in the low single digits. Daily highs for Sunday and Monday will be in the mid to upper single digits below zero. Windchills on Sunday and Monday will get down to -35.

Extreme cold safety tips from the National Weather Service say to minimize travel and stay indoors as much as possible. For those who must go out, keep a winter survival kit in the car and dress in layers, covering up as much exposed skin as possible with a warm coat or parka, a hat, mittens, warm boots, a scarf or gaiter to cover up the nose and mouth to protect lungs from extreme cold, and try to stay dry and out of the wind.

Be aware of any potential pipe bursts and know how to shut off water valves. Also, check on elderly neighbors and make sure they have enough to eat and are staying warm, and bring pets inside.

For more cold weather safety tips, click here.

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