Alert archive / Minnesota / Extreme Cold Warnings in 2025

Extreme Cold Warning 4, NWS Twin Cities, MN

February 18, 202527 counties in Minnesota; Barron County, Polk County, Wisconsin

NWS Twin Cities, MN issued this extreme cold warning at Feb 18, 2025, 2:27 AM CST for 27 counties in Minnesota; Barron County, Polk County, Wisconsin. It took effect at Feb 18, 2025, 9:00 PM CST. It was in force for 12 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Feb 18, 2025, 2:27 AM CST (08:27 UTC)
In effect from
Feb 18, 2025, 9:00 PM CST
Expired
Feb 19, 2025, 9:00 AM CST
In force
12 hr
Issued by
NWS Twin Cities, MN
All 29 counties

Benton County, MN, Blue Earth County, MN, Brown County, MN, Chippewa County, MN, Chisago County, MN, Douglas County, MN, Isanti County, MN, Kanabec County, MN, Kandiyohi County, MN, Lac qui Parle County, MN, McLeod County, MN, Meeker County, MN, Mille Lacs County, MN, Morrison County, MN, Nicollet County, MN, Pope County, MN, Redwood County, MN, Renville County, MN, Sherburne County, MN, Sibley County, MN, Stearns County, MN, Stevens County, MN, Swift County, MN, Todd County, MN, Watonwan County, MN, Wright County, MN, Yellow Medicine County, MN, Barron County, WI, Polk County, WI

The radar

The Minneapolis radar (KMPX), 79 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 08:26 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Minneapolis, MN (KMPX), launched 00:00Z, 8.5 hours before the alert went out and 76 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Minneapolis, MN at 00:00Z on 2025-02-18Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Minneapolis, MN at 00:00Z on 2025-02-18The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -130 square meters per square second.1939587897117Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
1196 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
96 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-130 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
-129 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

238 
WWUS73 KMPX 180827
NPWMPX

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
227 AM CST Tue Feb 18 2025

MNZ041-042-047>049-054>058-064>067-073>075-082-083-182030-
/O.UPG.KMPX.EC.A.0003.250219T0600Z-250219T1500Z/
/O.NEW.KMPX.EC.W.0004.250219T0300Z-250219T1500Z/
/O.CON.KMPX.EC.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250218T1600Z/
Douglas-Todd-Stevens-Pope-Stearns-Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa-
Kandiyohi-Meeker-Yellow Medicine-Renville-McLeod-Sibley-Redwood-
Brown-Nicollet-Watonwan-Blue Earth-
Including the cities of Madison, Mankato, St Peter, Gaylord,
Hutchinson, Glenwood, Montevideo, Morris, New Ulm, Long Prairie,
Olivia, St Cloud, Benson, Granite Falls, Redwood Falls, St James,
Litchfield, Willmar, and Alexandria
227 AM CST Tue Feb 18 2025

...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST THIS 
MORNING...
...EXTREME COLD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 9 AM CST 
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...For the first Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind 
  chills as low as 47 below. For the second Extreme Cold Warning, 
  dangerously cold wind chills as low as 41 below expected.

* WHERE...Portions of central, south central, southwest, and west 
  central Minnesota.

* WHEN...For the first Extreme Cold Warning, until 10 AM CST this 
  morning. For the second Extreme Cold Warning, from 9 PM this 
  evening to 9 AM CST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 45 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must 
go outside.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure 
portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills 
inside.

&&

$$

MNZ043>045-050>053-059-WIZ014-015-182030-
/O.NEW.KMPX.EC.W.0004.250219T0300Z-250219T1500Z/
/O.CON.KMPX.EC.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250218T1600Z/
Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Benton-Sherburne-Isanti-Chisago-
Wright-Polk-Barron-
Including the cities of Cambridge, Princeton, Center City,
Osceola, Rice Lake, Sauk Rapids, Little Falls, Elk River,
Monticello, and Mora
227 AM CST Tue Feb 18 2025

...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST THIS 
MORNING...
...EXTREME COLD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 9 AM CST 
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...For the first Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind 
  chills as low as 45 below. For the second Extreme Cold Warning, 
  dangerously cold wind chills as low as 38 below expected.

* WHERE...In Minnesota, Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Wright, 
  Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, and Mille Lacs Counties. In Wisconsin, 
  Barron and Polk Counties.

* WHEN...For the first Extreme Cold Warning, until 10 AM CST this 
  morning. For the second Extreme Cold Warning, from 9 PM this 
  evening to 9 AM CST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 45 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must 
go outside.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure 
portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills 
inside.

&&

$$

MNZ091-092-182030-
/O.UPG.KMPX.EC.A.0003.250219T0600Z-250219T1500Z/
/O.NEW.KMPX.CW.Y.0007.250219T0300Z-250219T1500Z/
/O.CON.KMPX.EC.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250218T1600Z/
Martin-Faribault-
Including the cities of Blue Earth and Fairmont
227 AM CST Tue Feb 18 2025

...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST THIS 
MORNING...
...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 9 AM 
CST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills 
  as low as 46 below. For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind 
  chills as low as 35 below expected.

* WHERE...Faribault and Martin Counties.

* WHEN...For the Extreme Cold Warning, until 10 AM CST this morning. 
  For the Cold Weather Advisory, from 9 PM this evening to 9 AM CST 
  Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 45 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must 
go outside.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure 
portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills 
inside.

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a 
hat, and gloves.

&&

$$

MNZ060>063-068>070-076>078-084-085-093-WIZ016-023>028-182030-
/O.NEW.KMPX.CW.Y.0007.250219T0300Z-250219T1500Z/
/O.CON.KMPX.EC.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250218T1600Z/
Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington-Carver-Scott-Dakota-Le Sueur-
Rice-Goodhue-Waseca-Steele-Freeborn-Rusk-St. Croix-Pierce-Dunn-
Pepin-Chippewa-Eau Claire-
Including the cities of Albert Lea, Le Sueur, Chaska, Ladysmith,
Victoria, Eau Claire, River Falls, St Paul, Blaine, Stillwater,
Owatonna, Hudson, Chanhassen, Red Wing, Waseca, Chippewa Falls,
Durand, Faribault, Shakopee, Minneapolis, Menomonie, and Hastings
227 AM CST Tue Feb 18 2025

...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST THIS 
MORNING...
...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 9 AM 
CST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills 
  as low as 42 below. For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind 
  chills as low as 34 below expected.

* WHERE...Portions of east central, south central, and southeast 
  Minnesota and northwest and west central Wisconsin.

* WHEN...For the Extreme Cold Warning, until 10 AM CST this morning. 
  For the Cold Weather Advisory, from 9 PM this evening to 9 AM CST 
  Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must 
go outside.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure 
portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills 
inside.

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a 
hat, and gloves.

&&

$$

TDH
4 follow-up statements
594 
WWUS73 KMPX 181559
NPWMPX

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
959 AM CST Tue Feb 18 2025

MNZ041>045-047>059-064>067-073>075-082-083-WIZ014-015-190400-
/O.EXP.KMPX.EC.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250218T1600Z/
/O.CON.KMPX.EC.W.0004.250219T0300Z-250219T1500Z/
Douglas-Todd-Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Stevens-Pope-Stearns-
Benton-Sherburne-Isanti-Chisago-Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa-
Kandiyohi-Meeker-Wright-Yellow Medicine-Renville-McLeod-Sibley-
Redwood-Brown-Nicollet-Watonwan-Blue Earth-Polk-Barron-
Including the cities of Benson, Sauk Rapids, Monticello, Olivia,
Little Falls, Litchfield, Gaylord, Princeton, Elk River,
Montevideo, Mankato, Alexandria, St Peter, Center City,
Cambridge, St James, Rice Lake, Willmar, Redwood Falls, Glenwood,
New Ulm, Morris, Granite Falls, Osceola, Hutchinson, Mora, Long
Prairie, St Cloud, and Madison
959 AM CST Tue Feb 18 2025

...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 
9 AM CST WEDNESDAY...
...EXTREME COLD WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 10 AM CST THIS MORNING...

* WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 42 below expected.

* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, south central, 
  southwest, and west central Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin.

* WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to 9 AM CST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 45 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must 
go outside.

&&

$$

MNZ060>063-068>070-076>078-084-085-091>093-WIZ016-023>028-190400-
/O.EXP.KMPX.EC.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250218T1600Z/
/O.CON.KMPX.CW.Y.0007.250219T0300Z-250219T1500Z/
Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington-Carver-Scott-Dakota-Le Sueur-
Rice-Goodhue-Waseca-Steele-Martin-Faribault-Freeborn-Rusk-St.
Croix-Pierce-Dunn-Pepin-Chippewa-Eau Claire-
Including the cities of River Falls, Menomonie, Red Wing,
Ladysmith, Stillwater, Eau Claire, Hudson, Blaine, Blue Earth,
Victoria, Hastings, Le Sueur, Minneapolis, Durand, Waseca, Albert
Lea, Fairmont, Faribault, Owatonna, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen,
Chippewa Falls, and St Paul
959 AM CST Tue Feb 18 2025

...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 
9 AM CST WEDNESDAY...
...EXTREME COLD WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 10 AM CST THIS MORNING...

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 36 below expected.

* WHERE...Portions of east central, south central, and southeast 
  Minnesota and northwest and west central Wisconsin.

* WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to 9 AM CST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 45 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a 
hat, and gloves.

&&

$$

BPH
320 
WWUS73 KMPX 190334
NPWMPX

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
934 PM CST Tue Feb 18 2025

MNZ041>045-047>059-064>067-073>075-082-083-WIZ014-015-191500-
/O.CON.KMPX.EC.W.0004.000000T0000Z-250219T1500Z/
Douglas-Todd-Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Stevens-Pope-Stearns-
Benton-Sherburne-Isanti-Chisago-Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa-
Kandiyohi-Meeker-Wright-Yellow Medicine-Renville-McLeod-Sibley-
Redwood-Brown-Nicollet-Watonwan-Blue Earth-Polk-Barron-
Including the cities of Olivia, Mankato, Litchfield, Monticello,
Long Prairie, Mora, Hutchinson, Rice Lake, Osceola, Alexandria,
Gaylord, St Cloud, St James, St Peter, Benson, Glenwood,
Cambridge, Madison, Center City, Princeton, New Ulm, Sauk Rapids,
Elk River, Granite Falls, Redwood Falls, Morris, Willmar, Little
Falls, and Montevideo
934 PM CST Tue Feb 18 2025

...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 42 below.

* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, south central, 
  southwest, and west central Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin.

* WHEN...Until 9 AM CST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 42 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must 
go outside.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure 
portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills 
inside.

&&

$$

MNZ060>063-068>070-076>078-084-085-091>093-WIZ016-023>028-191500-
/O.CON.KMPX.CW.Y.0007.000000T0000Z-250219T1500Z/
Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington-Carver-Scott-Dakota-Le Sueur-
Rice-Goodhue-Waseca-Steele-Martin-Faribault-Freeborn-Rusk-St.
Croix-Pierce-Dunn-Pepin-Chippewa-Eau Claire-
Including the cities of Ladysmith, St Paul, Faribault, Albert
Lea, Blue Earth, Hastings, Minneapolis, Waseca, Stillwater, Le
Sueur, Victoria, Durand, Chippewa Falls, Fairmont, Chaska,
Menomonie, River Falls, Chanhassen, Blaine, Hudson, Owatonna, Eau
Claire, Shakopee, and Red Wing
934 PM CST Tue Feb 18 2025

...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CST 
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 33 below.

* WHERE...Portions of east central, south central, and southeast 
  Minnesota and northwest and west central Wisconsin.

* WHEN...Until 9 AM CST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 33 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 15 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a 
hat, and gloves.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure 
portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills 
inside.

&&

$$

JPC
878 
WWUS73 KMPX 190826
NPWMPX

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
226 AM CST Wed Feb 19 2025

MNZ073-074-082-083-191500-
/O.NEW.KMPX.CW.Y.0008.250220T0300Z-250220T1500Z/
/O.CON.KMPX.EC.W.0004.000000T0000Z-250219T1500Z/
Redwood-Brown-Watonwan-Blue Earth-
Including the cities of Redwood Falls, Mankato, St James, and New
Ulm
226 AM CST Wed Feb 19 2025

...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CST THIS 
MORNING...
...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 9 AM 
CST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills 
  as low as 38 below. For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind 
  chills as low as 30 below expected.

* WHERE...Blue Earth, Brown, Watonwan, and Redwood Counties.

* WHEN...For the Extreme Cold Warning, until 9 AM CST this morning. 
  For the Cold Weather Advisory, from 9 PM this evening to 9 AM CST 
  Thursday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must 
go outside.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure 
portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills 
inside.

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a 
hat, and gloves.

&&

$$

MNZ041>045-047>059-064>067-075-WIZ014-015-191500-
/O.CON.KMPX.EC.W.0004.000000T0000Z-250219T1500Z/
Douglas-Todd-Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Stevens-Pope-Stearns-
Benton-Sherburne-Isanti-Chisago-Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa-
Kandiyohi-Meeker-Wright-Yellow Medicine-Renville-McLeod-Sibley-
Nicollet-Polk-Barron-
Including the cities of Little Falls, Morris, Madison, Princeton,
Gaylord, Center City, Mora, St Peter, Osceola, Olivia, Sauk
Rapids, Alexandria, Elk River, Rice Lake, Hutchinson, Cambridge,
Monticello, Litchfield, Long Prairie, Montevideo, Granite Falls,
Benson, Willmar, St Cloud, and Glenwood
226 AM CST Wed Feb 19 2025

...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CST THIS 
MORNING...

* WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below.

* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, south central, and west 
  central Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin.

* WHEN...Until 9 AM CST this morning.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must 
go outside.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure 
portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills 
inside.

&&

$$

MNZ084-085-091>093-191500-
/O.NEW.KMPX.CW.Y.0008.250220T0300Z-250220T1500Z/
/O.CON.KMPX.CW.Y.0007.000000T0000Z-250219T1500Z/
Waseca-Steele-Martin-Faribault-Freeborn-
Including the cities of Blue Earth, Fairmont, Waseca, Owatonna,
and Albert Lea
226 AM CST Wed Feb 19 2025

...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CST THIS 
MORNING...
...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 9 AM 
CST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...For the first Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind chills 
  as low as 35 below. For the second Cold Weather Advisory, very 
  cold wind chills as low as 30 below expected.

* WHERE...Faribault, Freeborn, Martin, Steele, and Waseca Counties.

* WHEN...For the first Cold Weather Advisory, until 9 AM CST this 
  morning. For the second Cold Weather Advisory, from 9 PM this 
  evening to 9 AM CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero 
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a 
hat, and gloves.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure 
portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills 
inside.

&&

$$

MNZ060>063-068>070-076>078-WIZ016-023>028-191500-
/O.CON.KMPX.CW.Y.0007.000000T0000Z-250219T1500Z/
Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington-Carver-Scott-Dakota-Le Sueur-
Rice-Goodhue-Rusk-St. Croix-Pierce-Dunn-Pepin-Chippewa-Eau Claire-
Including the cities of Le Sueur, River Falls, Shakopee,
Hastings, Durand, Minneapolis, Ladysmith, Chanhassen, St Paul,
Faribault, Eau Claire, Victoria, Blaine, Menomonie, Chaska,
Chippewa Falls, Stillwater, Red Wing, and Hudson
226 AM CST Wed Feb 19 2025

...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CST THIS 
MORNING...

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 34 below.

* WHERE...Portions of east central, south central, and southeast 
  Minnesota and northwest and west central Wisconsin.

* WHEN...Until 9 AM CST this morning.

* IMPACTS...The cold wind chills as low as 35 below zero could cause 
  frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a 
hat, and gloves.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure 
portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills 
inside.

&&

$$

TDH
343 
WWUS73 KMPX 191452
NPWMPX

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
852 AM CST Wed Feb 19 2025

MNZ073-074-082-083-200000-
/O.EXP.KMPX.EC.W.0004.000000T0000Z-250219T1500Z/
/O.CON.KMPX.CW.Y.0008.250220T0300Z-250220T1500Z/
Redwood-Brown-Watonwan-Blue Earth-
Including the cities of Redwood Falls, New Ulm, St James, and
Mankato
852 AM CST Wed Feb 19 2025

...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 
9 AM CST THURSDAY...
...EXTREME COLD WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 9 AM CST THIS MORNING...

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 30 below expected.

* WHERE...Blue Earth, Brown, Watonwan, and Redwood Counties.

* WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to 9 AM CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...The cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause 
  frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a 
hat, and gloves.

&&

$$

MNZ041>045-047>059-064>067-075-WIZ014-015-191600-
/O.EXP.KMPX.EC.W.0004.000000T0000Z-250219T1500Z/
Douglas-Todd-Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Stevens-Pope-Stearns-
Benton-Sherburne-Isanti-Chisago-Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa-
Kandiyohi-Meeker-Wright-Yellow Medicine-Renville-McLeod-Sibley-
Nicollet-Polk-Barron-
Including the cities of Little Falls, Willmar, Mora, Granite
Falls, Monticello, Madison, Gaylord, St Cloud, Cambridge, Morris,
Litchfield, Glenwood, Benson, Olivia, St Peter, Hutchinson,
Montevideo, Long Prairie, Princeton, Alexandria, Rice Lake, Sauk
Rapids, Elk River, Center City, and Osceola
852 AM CST Wed Feb 19 2025

...EXTREME COLD WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 9 AM CST THIS MORNING...

Wind chills will continue to improve through the next few hours, but 
wind chills of 20 to 25 below zero will persist through noon. Use 
caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, 
and gloves.

$$

MNZ084-085-091>093-200000-
/O.EXP.KMPX.CW.Y.0007.000000T0000Z-250219T1500Z/
/O.CON.KMPX.CW.Y.0008.250220T0300Z-250220T1500Z/
Waseca-Steele-Martin-Faribault-Freeborn-
Including the cities of Waseca, Blue Earth, Albert Lea, Fairmont,
and Owatonna
852 AM CST Wed Feb 19 2025

...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 
9 AM CST THURSDAY...
...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 9 AM CST THIS MORNING...

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 30 below expected.

* WHERE...Faribault, Freeborn, Martin, Steele, and Waseca Counties.

* WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to 9 AM CST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...The cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause 
  frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a 
hat, and gloves.

&&

$$

MNZ060>063-068>070-076>078-WIZ016-023>028-191600-
/O.EXP.KMPX.CW.Y.0007.000000T0000Z-250219T1500Z/
Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington-Carver-Scott-Dakota-Le Sueur-
Rice-Goodhue-Rusk-St. Croix-Pierce-Dunn-Pepin-Chippewa-Eau Claire-
Including the cities of Stillwater, Faribault, Chippewa Falls,
Minneapolis, Chaska, Chanhassen, Eau Claire, Le Sueur, Durand,
Menomonie, River Falls, Blaine, Red Wing, Shakopee, Hudson, St
Paul, Hastings, Ladysmith, and Victoria
852 AM CST Wed Feb 19 2025

...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 9 AM CST THIS MORNING...

Wind chills will continue to improve through the next few hours, but 
wind chills of 15 to 20 below zero will persist through noon. Use 
caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, 
and gloves.

$$

Dye

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this extreme cold warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Twin Cities, MN wrote its last area forecast discussion before this extreme cold warning went out at Feb 17, 10:56 PM CST, 3 hours 31 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Dangerous cold continues, with wind chills as cold as -45 tonight. Air temperatures remain below zero through at least Tuesday afternoon.
  • Prolonged period of bitter cold drops wind chills to -35 to -45 Wednesday morning. Gradual warming trend follows, with temperatures in the 30s/40s for the upcoming weekend.
  • No snow or active weather expected over the next 7 days.
Area forecast discussion, Feb 17, 10:56 PM CST, 3 hours 31 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
1056 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Dangerous cold continues, with wind chills as cold as -45
  tonight. Air temperatures remain below zero through at least
  Tuesday afternoon.

- Prolonged period of bitter cold drops wind chills to -35 to
  -45 Wednesday morning. Gradual warming trend follows, with
  temperatures in the 30s/40s for the upcoming weekend.

- No snow or active weather expected over the next 7 days.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 210 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025

Overview...

Potent Arctic airmass characterized by ~3 sigma
temperature deviation below the mean per NAEFS climatology
continues to plague much of the northern CONUS. Expansive ~1050s
mb surface high is slowly building south towards the
International border north of the Dakotas. The core of the
Arctic air will continue to flow south into the Upper Midwest as
an upper-level trough digs southeast out of southern Canada
towards the Great Lakes. This will ultimately mean the
continuation of dangerous cold through at least Wednesday
morning, with indications that morning wind chills will approach
the double digits below zero all the way through Friday
morning. We've continued the trend of running with the 25th
percentile NBM for morning lows over the next few mornings,
given the cooling efficiency of temperatures in the current
regime.

Regional radar mosaic depicts wintry weather advancing east out
of the Great Plains through southern Iowa early this
afternoon. This activity will remain well to the south, given
suppression from the strong surface high. In fact, the radar
activity referenced above is the beginning of a more impressive
winter storm system that is progged to dig through the mid-South
later this week (in association with the upper trough movement
referenced above). The presence of the surface high will mean
little in the way of active weather locally this week.

Dangerous Cold Headlines...

Despite sunshine and some warming, all locations are reporting
sub-zero early afternoon air temperatures. Wind chills remain at
dangerous values, particularly across western Minnesota where
frostbite remains possible in as little as 10 minutes. Wind
chills have warmed to near/above Cold Weather Advisory criteria
across eastern Minnesota (including the TC Metro) and western
Wisconsin, so these locations are headline free at the moment.
However, many surface obs continue to reveal winds chills
between -30 to -35 across western Minnesota, where a Cold
Weather Advisory continues. An Extreme Cold Warning goes back
into effect across the entire area at 9 PM and will persist
through 10 AM tomorrow. The combination of air temperatures
between -20 to -30 and light northwest winds will yield another
round of wind chills as cold as -45 Tuesday morning.

It appears unlikely that we'll need a secondary Advisory
following the expiration of the warning tomorrow, as guidance
is quicker to warm the wind chills above headline criteria.
However, the Tuesday night/Wednesday morning period will need to
be watched closely for another set of cold weather headlines.
At the very least, a widespread Cold Weather Advisory looks like
a good bet, though there are questions with regards to how
widespread Extreme Cold Warning criteria will be met (most
likely across west central Minnesota). We have have issued an
Extreme Cold Watch from late Tuesday through Wednesday morning
across western Minnesota to address this potential.

Looking Ahead...

It may not feel like it right now, but there is an end to the
ongoing Arctic blast in sight. Surface high pressure will sink
south across the mid-Atlantic region by Friday. Southerly return
flow on the backside of the high will work in tandem with more
expansive thermal ridging across the northern CONUS to begin a
gradual warming trend. Latest NBM features highs in the upper
teens/low 20s Friday, the 30s on Saturday, and into the upper
30s/40s for Sunday and Monday. Long range guidance suggests a
few areas may flirt with 50s across southwestern Minnesota by
early next week! Expansive ridging over the western half of the
CONUS will push the clipper storm track north into southern
Canada, which results in a generally dry forecast locally
through the next week. Extended guidance brings a more
pronounced cold front/increased PoPs into the picture in the
Tuesday/Wednesday time frame.

&&

.AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z WEDNESDAY/...
Issued at 1055 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025

VFR conditions expected throughout this duration. Generally SKC
conditions expected overnight through late Tuesday morning, then
just passing high cirrus clouds for the afternoon-evening
hours. Winds to remain NW throughout, speeds 5-7kts overnight
through Tuesday morning, then picking up to around 10kts again
in the afternoon before dropping off again after sunset.

KMSP...No additional concerns.

/OUTLOOK FOR KMSP/
WED...VFR. Wind NW 5-10kts.
THU...VFR. Wind NW bcmg SW 5kts.
FRI...VFR. Wind SW 5-10kts.

&&

.MPX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MN...Extreme Cold Warning until 10 AM CST Tuesday for Anoka-Benton-
     Blue Earth-Brown-Carver-Chippewa-Chisago-Dakota-Douglas-
     Faribault-Freeborn-Goodhue-Hennepin-Isanti-Kanabec-
     Kandiyohi-Lac Qui Parle-Le Sueur-Martin-McLeod-Meeker-
     Mille Lacs-Morrison-Nicollet-Pope-Ramsey-Redwood-Renville-
     Rice-Scott-Sherburne-Sibley-Stearns-Steele-Stevens-Swift-
     Todd-Waseca-Washington-Watonwan-Wright-Yellow Medicine.
     Extreme Cold Watch from late Tuesday night through Wednesday
     morning for Blue Earth-Brown-Chippewa-Douglas-Faribault-
     Kandiyohi-Lac Qui Parle-Martin-McLeod-Meeker-Nicollet-
     Pope-Redwood-Renville-Sibley-Stearns-Stevens-Swift-Todd-
     Watonwan-Yellow Medicine.
WI...Extreme Cold Warning until 10 AM CST Tuesday for Barron-
     Chippewa-Dunn-Eau Claire-Pepin-Pierce-Polk-Rusk-St. Croix.

&&

DISCUSSION...Strus
AVIATION...JPC
Hazardous weather outlook, Feb 17, 9:49 PM CST, 4 hours 38 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
949 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025

MNZ041>045-047>070-073>078-082>085-091>093-WIZ014>016-023>028-
182100-
Douglas-Todd-Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Stevens-Pope-Stearns-
Benton-Sherburne-Isanti-Chisago-Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa-
Kandiyohi-Meeker-Wright-Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington-
Yellow Medicine-Renville-McLeod-Sibley-Carver-Scott-Dakota-
Redwood-Brown-Nicollet-Le Sueur-Rice-Goodhue-Watonwan-Blue Earth-
Waseca-Steele-Martin-Faribault-Freeborn-Polk-Barron-Rusk-
St. Croix-Pierce-Dunn-Pepin-Eau Claire-
949 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central and
southern Minnesota, and west central Wisconsin.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Dangerous cold expected tonight. Wind chills will drop to 45
degrees below zero, with the coldest values expected across
western Minnesota. An Extreme Cold Warning is in effect for the
entire area overnight into Tuesday morning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday.

Bitter cold continues through the middle of the week, with
another round of wind chills between 35 to 45 degrees below zero
Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. An Extreme Cold Watch has
been issued across western Minnesota, where confidence in wind
chills falling to warning criteria is the highest.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SKYWARN spotter activation will not be needed.

The office that day

Everything else NWS Twin Cities, MN issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Feb 18, 2:27 AM CSTCold Weather AdvisoryMPXAnoka, Carver, Dakota, Faribault, Freeborn, Goodhue and 9 more31 hr

Nearby

Extreme Cold Warnings in Minnesota, 2025Extreme Cold Warnings in Wisconsin, 2025Every extreme cold warning in 2025

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.