Alert archive / Minnesota / Extreme Cold Watches in 2025
Extreme Cold Watch 3, NWS Twin Cities, MN
NWS Twin Cities, MN issued this extreme cold watch at Feb 17, 2025, 1:31 PM CST for 21 counties in Minnesota. It took effect at Feb 19, 2025, 12:00 AM CST. It was in force for .
The area
The counties it named.
The facts
- Issued
- Feb 17, 2025, 1:31 PM CST (19:31 UTC)
- In effect from
- Feb 19, 2025, 12:00 AM CST
- Expired
- Feb 18, 2025, 2:27 AM CST
- In force
- Issued by
- NWS Twin Cities, MN
All 21 counties
Blue Earth County, MN, Brown County, MN, Chippewa County, MN, Douglas County, MN, Faribault County, MN, Kandiyohi County, MN, Lac qui Parle County, MN, Martin County, MN, McLeod County, MN, Meeker County, MN, Nicollet County, MN, Pope County, MN, Redwood County, MN, Renville County, MN, Sibley County, MN, Stearns County, MN, Stevens County, MN, Swift County, MN, Todd County, MN, Watonwan County, MN, Yellow Medicine County, MN
The radar
The Minneapolis radar (KMPX), 110 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 19:32 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 12:00Z, 7.5 hours before the alert went out and 107 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.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 0 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- No buoyant parcel
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 1247 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 110 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- -100 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 42 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
454 WWUS73 KMPX 171931 NPWMPX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN 131 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025 MNZ041-042-047>049-054>058-064>067-073>075-082-083-180730- /O.NEW.KMPX.EC.A.0003.250219T0600Z-250219T1500Z/ /O.CON.KMPX.EC.W.0003.250218T0300Z-250218T1600Z/ /O.CON.KMPX.CW.Y.0005.000000T0000Z-250218T0300Z/ 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 St Peter, Morris, Alexandria, Gaylord, Olivia, Willmar, New Ulm, Granite Falls, Litchfield, Montevideo, Mankato, Madison, St Cloud, Glenwood, Benson, Long Prairie, Hutchinson, Redwood Falls, and St James 131 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025 ...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST THIS EVENING... ...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM CST TUESDAY... ...EXTREME COLD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING... * WHAT...For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind chills as low as 35 below. For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 45 below expected. For the Extreme Cold Watch, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below possible. * WHERE...Portions of central, south central, southwest, and west central Minnesota. * WHEN...For the Cold Weather Advisory, until 9 PM CST this evening. For the Extreme Cold Warning, from 9 PM this evening to 10 AM CST Tuesday. For the Extreme Cold Watch, from late Tuesday night through Wednesday morning. * 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. Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. && $$ MNZ091-092-180730- /O.NEW.KMPX.EC.A.0003.250219T0600Z-250219T1500Z/ /O.CON.KMPX.EC.W.0003.250218T0300Z-250218T1600Z/ /O.CON.KMPX.CW.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-250218T0300Z/ Martin-Faribault- Including the cities of Fairmont and Blue Earth 131 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025 ...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST THIS EVENING... ...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM CST TUESDAY... ...EXTREME COLD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING... * WHAT...For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind chills as low as 30 below. For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 45 below expected. For the Extreme Cold Watch, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 35 below possible. * WHERE...Faribault and Martin Counties. * WHEN...For the Cold Weather Advisory, until 9 PM CST this evening. For the Extreme Cold Warning, from 9 PM this evening to 10 AM CST Tuesday. For the Extreme Cold Watch, from late Tuesday night through Wednesday morning. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 45 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside. Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. && $$ MNZ076-084-180730- /O.CON.KMPX.EC.W.0003.250218T0300Z-250218T1600Z/ /O.CON.KMPX.CW.Y.0005.000000T0000Z-250218T0300Z/ Le Sueur-Waseca- Including the cities of Le Sueur and Waseca 131 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025 ...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST THIS EVENING... ...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM CST TUESDAY... * WHAT...For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind chills as low as 30 below. For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below expected. * WHERE...Le Sueur and Waseca Counties. * WHEN...For the Cold Weather Advisory, until 9 PM CST this evening. For the Extreme Cold Warning, from 9 PM this evening to 10 AM CST Tuesday. * 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. Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. && $$ MNZ085-093-180730- /O.CON.KMPX.EC.W.0003.250218T0300Z-250218T1600Z/ /O.CON.KMPX.CW.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-250218T0300Z/ Steele-Freeborn- Including the cities of Albert Lea and Owatonna 131 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025 ...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST THIS EVENING... ...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM CST TUESDAY... * WHAT...For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind chills as low as 30 below. For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below expected. * WHERE...Freeborn and Steele Counties. * WHEN...For the Cold Weather Advisory, until 9 PM CST this evening. For the Extreme Cold Warning, from 9 PM this evening to 10 AM CST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside. Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. && $$ MNZ043>045-050>053-059>063-068>070-077-078-WIZ014>016-023>028-180730- /O.CON.KMPX.EC.W.0003.250218T0300Z-250218T1600Z/ Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Benton-Sherburne-Isanti-Chisago- Wright-Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington-Carver-Scott-Dakota-Rice- Goodhue-Polk-Barron-Rusk-St. Croix-Pierce-Dunn-Pepin-Chippewa-Eau Claire- Including the cities of Blaine, Eau Claire, Monticello, Cambridge, Mora, Shakopee, Minneapolis, Faribault, Sauk Rapids, Little Falls, Chaska, Center City, Victoria, Hastings, Hudson, Chippewa Falls, Red Wing, Rice Lake, St Paul, Menomonie, Stillwater, Osceola, Durand, Ladysmith, River Falls, Elk River, Princeton, and Chanhassen 131 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025 ...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM CST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills between 35 to 45 below zero expected. * WHERE...Portions of central, east central, south central, and southeast Minnesota and northwest and west central Wisconsin. * WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to 10 AM CST Tuesday. * 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. && $$ Strus
3 follow-up statements
355 WWUS73 KMPX 180257 NPWMPX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN 857 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025 MNZ041-042-047>049-054>058-064>067-073>075-082-083-181100- /O.EXP.KMPX.CW.Y.0005.000000T0000Z-250218T0300Z/ /O.CON.KMPX.EC.W.0003.250218T0300Z-250218T1600Z/ /O.CON.KMPX.EC.A.0003.250219T0600Z-250219T1500Z/ Douglas-Todd-Stevens-Pope-Stearns-Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa- Kandiyohi-Meeker-Yellow Medicine-Renville-McLeod-Sibley-Redwood- Brown-Nicollet-Watonwan-Blue Earth- Including the cities of Willmar, Madison, New Ulm, Benson, Redwood Falls, Long Prairie, Montevideo, Gaylord, Alexandria, Morris, Olivia, Hutchinson, Mankato, Granite Falls, Litchfield, St Peter, Glenwood, St James, and St Cloud 857 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025 ...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST TUESDAY... ...EXTREME COLD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING... ...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 9 PM CST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 45 below expected. For the Extreme Cold Watch, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below possible. * WHERE...Portions of central, south central, southwest, and west central Minnesota. * WHEN...For the Extreme Cold Warning, until 10 AM CST Tuesday. For the Extreme Cold Watch, from late Tuesday night through Wednesday morning. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 45 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside. && $$ MNZ091-092-181100- /O.EXP.KMPX.CW.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-250218T0300Z/ /O.CON.KMPX.EC.W.0003.250218T0300Z-250218T1600Z/ /O.CON.KMPX.EC.A.0003.250219T0600Z-250219T1500Z/ Martin-Faribault- Including the cities of Blue Earth and Fairmont 857 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025 ...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST TUESDAY... ...EXTREME COLD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING... ...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 9 PM CST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 45 below expected. For the Extreme Cold Watch, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 35 below possible. * WHERE...Faribault and Martin Counties. * WHEN...For the Extreme Cold Warning, until 10 AM CST Tuesday. For the Extreme Cold Watch, from late Tuesday night through Wednesday morning. * 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. && $$ MNZ076-084-181100- /O.EXP.KMPX.CW.Y.0005.000000T0000Z-250218T0300Z/ /O.CON.KMPX.EC.W.0003.250218T0300Z-250218T1600Z/ Le Sueur-Waseca- Including the cities of Waseca and Le Sueur 857 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025 ...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST TUESDAY... ...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 9 PM CST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below expected. * WHERE...Le Sueur and Waseca Counties. * WHEN...Until 10 AM CST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 45 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside. && $$ MNZ085-093-181100- /O.EXP.KMPX.CW.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-250218T0300Z/ /O.CON.KMPX.EC.W.0003.250218T0300Z-250218T1600Z/ Steele-Freeborn- Including the cities of Owatonna and Albert Lea 857 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025 ...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST TUESDAY... ...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 9 PM CST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below expected. * WHERE...Freeborn and Steele Counties. * WHEN...Until 10 AM CST Tuesday. * 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. && $$ MNZ043>045-050>053-059>063-068>070-077-078-WIZ014>016-023>028-181100- /O.CON.KMPX.EC.W.0003.250218T0300Z-250218T1600Z/ Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Benton-Sherburne-Isanti-Chisago- Wright-Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington-Carver-Scott-Dakota-Rice- Goodhue-Polk-Barron-Rusk-St. Croix-Pierce-Dunn-Pepin-Chippewa-Eau Claire- Including the cities of Little Falls, Mora, St Paul, Hudson, Minneapolis, Victoria, Menomonie, Monticello, Hastings, Faribault, Center City, Ladysmith, Shakopee, Red Wing, Stillwater, Chaska, Blaine, Elk River, Durand, Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Sauk Rapids, River Falls, Cambridge, Osceola, Rice Lake, Princeton, and Chanhassen 857 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025 ...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 45 below expected. * WHERE...Portions of central, east central, south central, and southeast Minnesota and northwest and west central Wisconsin. * WHEN...Until 10 AM CST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 45 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside. && $$ JPC
377 WWUS73 KMPX 180352 NPWMPX URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN 952 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025 MNZ041-042-047>049-054>058-064>067-073>075-082-083-091-092-181200- /O.CON.KMPX.EC.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250218T1600Z/ /O.CON.KMPX.EC.A.0003.250219T0600Z-250219T1500Z/ Douglas-Todd-Stevens-Pope-Stearns-Lac Qui Parle-Swift-Chippewa- Kandiyohi-Meeker-Yellow Medicine-Renville-McLeod-Sibley-Redwood- Brown-Nicollet-Watonwan-Blue Earth-Martin-Faribault- Including the cities of Blue Earth, Willmar, Madison, New Ulm, Benson, Redwood Falls, Long Prairie, Montevideo, Gaylord, Fairmont, Alexandria, Morris, Olivia, Hutchinson, Mankato, Granite Falls, Litchfield, St Peter, Glenwood, St James, and St Cloud 952 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025 ...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST TUESDAY... ...EXTREME COLD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING... * WHAT...For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 45 below. For the Extreme Cold Watch, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below possible. * WHERE...Portions of central, south central, southwest, and west central Minnesota. * WHEN...For the Extreme Cold Warning, until 10 AM CST Tuesday. For the Extreme Cold Watch, from late Tuesday night through Wednesday morning. * 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. && $$ MNZ043>045-050>053-059>063-068>070-076>078-084-085-093-WIZ014>016- 023>028-181200- /O.CON.KMPX.EC.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250218T1600Z/ Morrison-Mille Lacs-Kanabec-Benton-Sherburne-Isanti-Chisago- Wright-Hennepin-Anoka-Ramsey-Washington-Carver-Scott-Dakota-Le Sueur-Rice-Goodhue-Waseca-Steele-Freeborn-Polk-Barron-Rusk-St. Croix-Pierce-Dunn-Pepin-Chippewa-Eau Claire- Including the cities of Little Falls, Mora, St Paul, Hudson, Minneapolis, Albert Lea, Le Sueur, Victoria, Menomonie, Monticello, Hastings, Faribault, Center City, Ladysmith, Shakopee, Red Wing, Stillwater, Chaska, Blaine, Elk River, Durand, Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Sauk Rapids, River Falls, Cambridge, Waseca, Owatonna, Osceola, Rice Lake, Princeton, and Chanhassen 952 PM CST Mon Feb 17 2025 ...EXTREME COLD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 45 below. * WHERE...Portions of central, east central, south central, and southeast Minnesota and northwest and west central Wisconsin. * WHEN...Until 10 AM CST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 45 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside. && $$ JPC
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
What forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this extreme cold watch 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 watch went out at Feb 17, 11:12 AM CST, 2 hours 19 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- Dangerous wind chills as low as 45 below zero this morning and tomorrow morning, with the coldest chills in west-central Minnesota. Air temperatures will not reach above zero until Tuesday afternoon.
- Cold temperatures continue Wednesday with morning wind chills as low as 35 below zero, with a gradual warming trend into the weekend with mid 30s to low 40s possible by Sunday.
- No snow or active weather expected through the weekend.
Area forecast discussion, Feb 17, 11:12 AM CST, 2 hours 19 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
1112 AM CST Mon Feb 17 2025
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Dangerous wind chills as low as 45 below zero this morning and
tomorrow morning, with the coldest chills in west-central
Minnesota. Air temperatures will not reach above zero until
Tuesday afternoon.
- Cold temperatures continue Wednesday with morning wind chills
as low as 35 below zero, with a gradual warming trend into the
weekend with mid 30s to low 40s possible by Sunday.
- No snow or active weather expected through the weekend.
&&
.UPDATE...
Issued at 1053 AM CST Mon Feb 17 2025
Late morning surface observations reveal wind chill values in
the -30 to -40 range across western Minnesota. While some improvements
are expected this afternoon, wind chills out west will remain
near Cold Weather Advisory criteria for the majority of the
upcoming period, prior to the start of the next Extreme Cold
Warning at 9 PM. For this reason, we have collaborated with WFO
FSD/DMX to issue a Cold Weather Advisory across western
Minnesota to "bridge the gap" between the most severe cold.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 300 AM CST Mon Feb 17 2025
Clear skies are present across the region with the exception of
southeastern Minnesota this morning, with IR satellite showing
significant surface cold creeping southwards as air temperatures
have cooled into the teens below zero with wind chills in the 20s
and 30s below zero as of 2am. The coldest wind chills this morning
in west-central Minnesota could drop down to the mid 40s below zero,
with slow improvement once we reach daylight. Air temperatures will
struggle to get above zero today as cold air continues to surge
southwards at ground level as a broad occluded upper level trough is
positioned north of the region with wind chills at their warmest
around 20 below zero. A bit of sunshine during the day could help it
feel a bit warmer, otherwise we are in for a cold 48-60 hour stretch
as we do not look to get above zero for air temperatures until
Wednesday aside from a couple of hours in western WIsconsin on
Tuesday afternoon. Strong arctic high pressure will continue to
creep southwards on the western side of the upper level trough with
deterministic ECMWF showing a 1050mb high over southern Saskatchewan
into the northwestern Dakotas by Tuesday night. This broad arctic
high and persistent northerly winds are the primary source of the
cold air, alongside clear skies overnight allowing for efficient
cooling. This morning and Tuesday morning will be the coldest, with
a small improvement for Wednesday morning before temepratures start
rising quicker as we move closer to the weekend.
As the arctic high weakens and moves southwards into the plains, the
cold air will loosen its grip and warmer temperatures will arrive as
southerly surface winds by the weekend should bring in a more mild
air mass, with 850mb temps increasing quite a bit by the weekend.
Active weather remains absent with a lack of any meaningful forcing
mechanisms as the broad suite of ensemble guidance points towards
chances for upper 30s to low 40s beginning Sunday and lingering into
next week. By the time we reach the longer ranges beyond 10 days, we
will be into March with our average temperatures about 4-5 degrees
higher than mid February. While we cannot say for certain this is
our last arctic air outbreak of the year, it becomes more and more
likely the farther we get into March as the sun becomes increasingly
strong in terms of angle and duration after the Spring equinox on
March 20th.
&&
.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z TUESDAY/...
Issued at 1102 AM CST Mon Feb 17 2025
Mostly clear skies could give way to scattered MVFR level cigs
this afternoon. A pocket of overcast cigs around 1000-1700 ft
have been attempting to slide south from NW MN this morning, but
are struggling to make too much progress. Northwest winds
prevail through the period.
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...Cold Weather Advisory until 9 PM CST this evening for Blue
Earth-Brown-Chippewa-Douglas-Faribault-Freeborn-Kandiyohi-
Lac Qui Parle-Le Sueur-Martin-McLeod-Meeker-Nicollet-Pope-
Redwood-Renville-Sibley-Stearns-Steele-Stevens-Swift-Todd-
Waseca-Watonwan-Yellow Medicine.
Extreme Cold Warning from 9 PM this evening to 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.
WI...Extreme Cold Warning from 9 PM this evening to 10 AM CST
Tuesday for Barron-Chippewa-Dunn-Eau Claire-Pepin-Pierce-
Polk-Rusk-St. Croix.
&&
UPDATE...Strus
DISCUSSION...TDH
AVIATION...BEDHazardous weather outlook, Feb 17, 3:23 AM CST, 10 hours 8 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN 323 AM CST Mon Feb 17 2025 MNZ041>045-047>070-073>078-082>085-091>093-WIZ014>016-023>028- 180930- 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- 323 AM CST Mon Feb 17 2025 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central and southern Minnesota, and west central Wisconsin. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. Dangerously cold air will move in tonight. Wind chills of 35 to 45 below are expected through 10am. An Extreme Cold Warning is in effect except in southern to eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin where a Cold Weather Advisory is in effect. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Dangerously cold conditions will continue each morning through Wednesday. Wind chill values are expected to drop to 35 to 45 degrees below zero. An Extreme Cold Warning is in effect late tonight into Tuesday morning. .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.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 17, 2:59 AM CST | Extreme Cold Warning | MPX | Anoka, Benton, Blue Earth, Brown, Carver, Chippewa and 36 more | 31 hr |
| Feb 17, 9:53 AM CST | Cold Weather Advisory | MPX | Faribault, Freeborn, Martin, Steele | 11 hr |
Nearby
Extreme Cold Watches in Minnesota, 2025Every extreme cold watch 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.