NWS Issues Extreme Cold Warnings Through Saturday The National Weather Service released Extreme Cold Warnings and Watches for Minnesota and North Dakota from late Wednesday, Jan 21, through Saturday, warning wind chills could plunge to –55 °F [1]. The agency defined an Extreme Cold Warning as a call to immediate action and an Extreme Cold Watch as a preparatory alert [1]. Officials urged residents to stay indoors, layer clothing, and check on vulnerable neighbors [1].

County‑Level Wind Chill Ranges Reach Historic Lows North central and northwest Minnesota may see wind chills of –44 °F on Thursday morning, with potential drops to –55 °F from Thursday afternoon through Sunday [1]. Koochiching, northern St. Louis, Cook, and Lake Counties could experience –42 °F to –50 °F, affecting the Bois Forte Band territory, Nett Lake, and Voyageurs National Park [1]. Northeast North Dakota faces similar –44 °F to –55 °F values from Wednesday night into the weekend [1].

Frostbite and Hypothermia Risks Accelerate Within Minutes The NWS warned exposed skin can develop frostbite in as little as 10 minutes at the forecasted wind chills [1]. Newsweek’s Minneapolis coverage added that at –24 °F feels‑like, frostbite may occur in about 15 minutes, heightening danger for anyone outdoors [2]. Both outlets cited NOAA and Mayo Clinic guidance on layering, limiting exposure, and seeking emergency care if symptoms appear [1][2].

Cold Snap Complicates Protests and ICE Operations in Minneapolis Twin Cities temperatures are expected to hit –13 °C (≈ 9 °F) Saturday night, with wind chills staying below zero through the weekend and the coldest period on Monday morning [2]. The freeze coincides with protests sparked by an ICE agent shooting, putting demonstrators and ICE personnel at heightened risk of hypothermia and frostbite [2]. Newsweek reported ICE was contacted for comment, while NOAA advice emphasized hot drinks, hats, and checking on at‑risk individuals [2].