Minneapolis Braces for Extreme Cold Advisory

Minneapolis residents are preparing for a significant cold snap as a weather advisory warns of dangerous conditions, including wind chills plummeting to as low as -35 degrees Fahrenheit. This severe cold demands immediate attention to safety and preparedness for everyone in the city.

Arctic Air Descends on Minneapolis

The National Weather Service has issued a weather advisory for Minneapolis, signaling the arrival of an extreme cold air mass. Forecasts indicate actual air temperatures will drop significantly, but it’s the wind chill that poses the most immediate threat, making it feel like -35°F or even colder. This combination of frigid temperatures and biting winds creates hazardous conditions for anyone exposed outdoors. The advisory is typically in effect for a specific duration, urging locals to limit time outside during peak cold periods.

Such extreme wind chills can cause frostbite on exposed skin in a matter of minutes, sometimes as quickly as 10-20 minutes. Hypothermia is also a serious risk, where the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to a dangerously low body temperature. Recognizing the signs of these conditions—such as numbness, white or grayish skin for frostbite, and shivering, confusion, or slurred speech for hypothermia—is crucial for timely intervention.

Essential Safety Measures for Locals

Preparing for and navigating extreme cold is vital for the safety of individuals, homes, and pets. Adhering to simple but effective guidelines can prevent serious cold-related injuries or damage.

Personal Preparedness

Layering is your best defense against the cold. Wear multiple loose-fitting, warm layers, including a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Crucially, cover all exposed skin, including your head, ears, nose, mouth, and hands, with hats, scarves, and insulated gloves or mittens. Limit your time outdoors as much as possible, and if you must go out, take frequent warming breaks indoors. Remember to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine, which can dehydrate you and impair your body’s ability to regulate temperature.

Protecting Your Home and Vehicle

Protecting your home from freezing temperatures is paramount. Ensure your furnace is in good working order and consider setting your thermostat to a consistent temperature, even when away, to prevent pipes from freezing. Let faucets drip slightly to relieve pressure in pipes, particularly those on exterior walls. Seal drafts around windows and doors. For vehicles, ensure your battery is strong, tires are properly inflated, and your fuel tank is at least half full to prevent fuel line freezing. Keep an emergency kit in your car with blankets, jumper cables, and a shovel.

Pet Safety

Pets are also vulnerable to extreme cold. Bring all pets indoors during periods of severe cold and wind chill. If a pet must go outside for short periods, ensure they have paw protection and limit their exposure. Thoroughly dry off pets after outdoor excursions to prevent ice accumulation between paw pads or on fur. Provide extra food for outdoor animals (if applicable) and ensure access to unfrozen water.

What to Expect Next

The advisory typically provides a window for these dangerous conditions, after which temperatures may moderate slightly but remain well below freezing. It is essential to stay informed by monitoring local weather forecasts from the National Weather Service and local news outlets. Be prepared for potential power outages due to increased demand or ice accumulation, and have alternative heating and light sources ready. The coming days will demand continued vigilance and adherence to cold-weather safety protocols.

• What is wind chill?
  Wind chill is a measure of how cold it feels to humans and animals due to the combined effect of wind and cold temperature. It exaggerates the perceived coldness and accelerates heat loss from exposed skin.
• How long can I safely be outside?
  With wind chills near -35°F, frostbite can occur in as little as 10-20 minutes on exposed skin. It’s best to limit outdoor exposure to absolute necessities.
• What should I do if my pipes freeze?
  If you suspect a frozen pipe, keep the faucet open and apply gentle heat to the frozen section using a hairdryer or heat lamp. Never use an open flame. If you cannot locate the freeze or if the pipe bursts, shut off your main water supply and call a plumber immediately.
• Are emergency warming shelters available?
  During extreme cold advisories, the city and local organizations often open warming shelters. Check local government websites or news for active shelter locations and hours of operation.
• What are the signs of hypothermia in adults?
  Symptoms include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. In infants, signs include bright red, cold skin, and very low energy. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect hypothermia.

Staying vigilant and prepared through this cold snap will ensure everyone in Minneapolis remains safe and healthy.

Minneapolis braces for extreme cold advisory