Wind Chill Advisory Issued as Arctic Blast Blankets Minnesota

(KNSI) – The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory for a large chunk of the state, including central Minnesota, as an arctic blast locks in place for the next several days.

The wind chill advisory starts at midnight tonight and goes until at least noon on Tuesday.

The area will see highs in the single digits above or below zero each day, with overnight lows ranging in the teens to 20s below zero. At temperatures that cold, any breath of wind will send the windchills plunging into the 30s and even 40s below zero. Forecasters say wind chills will be coldest during the late-night through midmorning hours and improve to around 25 below zero each afternoon.

Dangerous cold can cause frostbite in as little as ten minutes. If you are going out and about, layer up. The National Weather Service says dressing to stay warm in windchills this cold should include three layers on the upper torso with one insulating layer and one outer layer that protects against wind, at least two layers on the bottom torso, a warm hat, a scarf covering your nose, cheeks and chin, waterproof insulated boots, and insulated gloves or mittens. If you are going to be outside for any period of time, you’re encouraged to take frequent breaks inside to warm up.

If you do have to travel, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety suggests keeping a winter survival kit in your vehicle that includes extra pieces of warm clothing, blankets, healthy snacks, a phone charger, and jumper cables.