Twin Cities wakes to −32°F wind chill, more Arctic cold coming
FOX 9 reports that Twin Cities residents woke up on the MLK holiday to one of the coldest mornings of this winter so far, with an air temperature around −8°F and wind chills near −32°F — the metro’s eighth sub‑zero low of the season. Northern Minnesota was even harsher, with Hibbing, Bemidji and International Falls seeing wind chills around −40°F, and Grand Marais bottoming out near −44°F. Climatological context shows this winter already has more sub‑zero lows than last year (6) but far fewer than harsh seasons like 2013–14, which recorded 50 such days. The forecast offers only a brief reprieve: highs in the low teens Tuesday and around 21°F Wednesday before another plunge late week toward an overnight −20°F low and a daytime high around −3°F on Friday. Practically, that means continued risk of frostbite in minutes for anyone waiting for transit, working outside, or dealing with vehicles in the open across Minneapolis–Saint Paul, and likely ongoing strain on heating systems as metro households ride out a true mid‑January deep freeze.
📌 Key Facts
- Twin Cities low was about −8°F Monday morning with wind chills around −32°F.
- Northern Minnesota communities like Bemidji, Hibbing and International Falls saw wind chills near −40°F; Grand Marais hit about −44°F.
- This was the metro’s eighth sub‑zero low of the season, compared with 6 last winter and 50 during 2013–14, with another cold wave forecast to bring −20°F lows and −3°F highs by Friday.
📊 Relevant Data
Minnesota's average annual temperature has increased by 3.2°F between 1895 and 2024, contributing to overall warmer winters despite occasional cold snaps.
Climate Change in Minnesota — University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership
Minnesota is experiencing fewer nights with zero or colder temperatures compared to historical averages, according to data from the Minnesota State Climatology Office.
Below Zero? Minnesota sees less subzero lows that it used to — WCCO Radio
In Minnesota, males died from cold-related causes at rates 2.8 times higher than females in 2019 (1.4 vs. 0.5 per 100,000).
Cold-related deaths in Minnesota — Minnesota Department of Health
Cold-related death rates in Minnesota are highest among those aged 65 and older, with rates of 3.8 per 100,000 for males and 1.8 per 100,000 for females in 2019.
Cold-related deaths in Minnesota — Minnesota Department of Health
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