Originally published 7:14 a.m. January 21st, 2026
Updated 1:28 p.m. January 21st, 2026
(KNSI) — Central Minnesota faces dangerously cold temperatures leading into the weekend.
The National Weather Service says flurries and blowing snow are possible into early Thursday, with most locations expected to receive between a half-inch and one inch of accumulation.
The bigger weather concern arrives Thursday afternoon when frigid temperatures settle in across the region. An Extreme Cold Watch has been upgraded to a Warning, which is in effect from 5:00 p.m. Thursday through 11:00 a.m. on Friday, with wind chill values forecast to drop between 40 and 50 degrees below zero.
Meteorologists have issued an Extreme Cold Watch for the area between 11:00 a.m. on Friday and noon on Saturday, with wind chills of 20 to 40 degrees below zero possible.
Weather officials are urging residents to stay indoors, if possible, during the extreme cold. Those who must go outside should dress in layers and cover all exposed skin, as frostbite can set in in as little as ten minutes. Authorities also recommend bringing pets indoors and keeping jumper cables and emergency kits in vehicles.
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