Some of the coldest air Northern Minnesotans have seen in at least five years is moving into the region Thursday, Jan. 22.
The National Weather Service issued an extreme cold warning for all of Northern Minnesota between Thursday and Friday afternoons, with an extreme cold watch remaining through Sunday.
Northwest winds gusting between 20 to 30 mph Thursday and Friday will bring wild chill values colder than 50 degrees below zero for many Northland communities, with Grand Marais expected to be the coldest point at nearly 60 below. The winds will calm down over the weekend, but air temperatures are expected to remain below zero through Monday.
The Grand Forks weather office also warns of a winter weather advisory in the Red River Valley and westward for blowing snow and near blizzard-like driving conditions Wednesday evening. While snow accumulation is expected to be light, winds reaching up to 45 mph may impact visibility.
Officials advise Minnesotans to bundle up and dress in layers to avoid prolonged skin exposure. Frostbite can form on exposed skin in less than 10 minutes at the projected wind chill values.
Check road conditions ahead of travel plans and prepare an emergency winter supply kit for the vehicle, such as a phone charger, batteries, blankets, sand or cat litter for traction, a candle to melt snow for drinking water and other winter essentials.
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