Extreme Cold in Minnesota, December 24 to 26, 2017

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Grand Forks ND
315 PM CST Sun Dec 24 2017

.SHORT TERM...(This evening through Monday)
Issued at 315 PM CST Sun Dec 24 2017

The few remaining snow showers have slipped into the far southern
Red River Valley and adjacent areas of west central Minnesota.
These should exit off to the southeast in the next few hours,
leaving just a dusting of snow. The rest of the night into Monday
will be very cold, with 5 to 15 mph northwest winds. Therefore
dangerously cold wind chills will become the main issue. Have
issued wind chill warnings and advisories tonight through Monday.

.LONG TERM...(Monday night through Sunday)
Issued at 315 PM CST Sun Dec 24 2017

A broad upper trof will be in place over the area...with the coldest
air in place over Ontario. Northerly flow associated with surface
high pressure will keep the arctic air locked in at least through
Tuesday night...with bitter cold wind chills expected to continue.

By late Wednesday, expect a bit of temperature modification with
moderate ridge amplification over the northern Plains and surface
return flow. Will see chances for precipitation increase as a low
pressure system moves in from the west. Otherwise, another shot of
arctic air is forecast behind the system...with a return to bitter
cold temperatures and wind chill values through the end of the
period.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 18Z TAFS through 18Z Monday afternoon)
Issued at 1217 PM CST Sun Dec 24 2017

Clouds are going to be the main aviation challenge. Models are
showing a little less cloud cover, so have gone with SCT clouds
for most locations throughout the 24 hour TAF period. Wind speeds
will stay on the lower end.

&&

.FGF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
ND...Wind Chill Advisory from midnight tonight to noon CST Tuesday
     for NDZ038-039-049-052-053.

     Wind Chill Warning from 6 PM this evening to noon CST Tuesday
     for NDZ006>008-014>016-024-026>030-054.

MN...Wind Chill Advisory from midnight tonight to noon CST Tuesday
     for MNZ003-027>032-040.

     Wind Chill Warning from 6 PM this evening to noon CST Tuesday
     for MNZ001-002-004>009-013>017-022>024.

&&

SHORT TERM...Godon
LONG TERM...Hopkins
AVIATION...Godon

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Grand Forks ND
339 PM CST Sun Dec 24 2017

MNZ001-002-004>009-013>017-022>024-NDZ006>008-014>016-024-026>030-
054-252145-
West Polk-Norman-Kittson-Roseau-Lake Of The Woods-West Marshall-
East Marshall-North Beltrami-Pennington-Red Lake-East Polk-
North Clearwater-South Beltrami-Mahnomen-South Clearwater-Hubbard-
Towner-Cavalier-Pembina-Benson-Ramsey-Eastern Walsh County-Eddy-
Nelson-Grand Forks-Griggs-Steele-Traill-Western Walsh County-
339 PM CST Sun Dec 24 2017

This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of eastern North
Dakota, west central and northwest Minnesota.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight

Dangerously cold wind chills are expected through the period,
dipping into the 40 below to 45 below zero range.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday

Dangerously cold wind chills will continue to be a problem for
much of the week, mainly at night and during the morning hours.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not anticipated.

MNZ003-027>032-040-NDZ038-039-049-052-053-252145-
Clay-West Becker-East Becker-Wilkin-West Otter Tail-
East Otter Tail-Wadena-Grant-Barnes-Cass-Ransom-Sargent-Richland-
339 PM CST Sun Dec 24 2017

This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of eastern North
Dakota, west central and northwest Minnesota.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight

Very cold wind chills are expected through the period, dipping
into the 25 below to 40 below zero range.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday

Dangerously cold wind chills will continue to be a problem for
much of the week, mainly at night and during the morning hours.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not anticipated.