
The Coldest Wind Chills in Minnesota Right Now Will Freeze Your Soul
Mother Nature is reminding us who's boss right now as Minnesota gets an arctic slap in the face with dangerously cold temperatures for everyone in the North Star State today and Tuesday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued Extreme Cold Warnings and advisories across the state, urging residents to take immediate precautions. Frostbite can occur within minutes on exposed skin under these conditions.
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Why NWS Ditched "Wind Chill Warnings" for "Extreme Cold Warnings"
In October 2024, the National Weather Service decided that "Wind Chill Warnings" just weren’t cutting it anymore. People were getting too hung up on the “wind” part, thinking it’s only dangerous if it’s gusty.
So now, they’ve rebranded it to “Extreme Cold Warnings” to make it crystal clear that this is about the kind of cold that will freeze your face off, wind or no wind. They’re basically saying, if it’s stupid cold outside, don’t overthink it, just stay inside.
With that in mind, let's see exactly how much Minnesota is trying to kill us and look at the coldest wind chills in each region and city across the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Southeast Minnesota Wind Chills
In southeast Minnesota, cities like Rochester, Wabasha, and back west over to Dodge Center are experiencing wind chills between -30°F and -38°F.
The NWS La Crosse office emphasizes that these conditions are life-threatening if precautions are not taken. Wind gusts of up to 15–20 mph will intensify the cold. Residents are encouraged to:
- Dress in multiple layers.
- Cover all exposed skin to avoid frostbite.
- Limit time outdoors and bring pets inside.
Expect conditions to remain bitterly cold through Tuesday morning.
Central Minnesota and the Twin Cities Wind Chills
The Twin Cities metro area and central Minnesota face similarly extreme conditions, with wind chills ranging from -30°F to -42°F overnight into Tuesday morning.

The NWS Twin Cities office highlights the hours between 8 PM and 9 AM as particularly hazardous, with frostbite occurring in under 10 minutes during this period.
Duluth and Northern Minnesota Wind Chills
Northern Minnesota, including Duluth and areas further north, are expected to see some of the coldest wind chills in the state, potentially dipping below -45°F.
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NWS Duluth says the deep freeze is compounded by persistent winds, making it extremely dangerous to be outside without proper protection. Residents should be on high alert for frostbite and hypothermia risks.
Community shelters and warming centers in Duluth are available to assist those without adequate heating. Residents are advised to:
- Keep faucets dripping to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Avoid any outdoor activity unless absolutely necessary.
- Monitor local updates for information on warming centers and resources.
BRRRR: The 15 Coldest Cities in America
Gallery Credit: Dunken