Dangerous Wind Chills Expected Across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Much of the Midwest on Sunday Morning

ILLINOIS — A powerful surge of Arctic air will bring extremely dangerous wind chills across a large portion of the Midwest on Sunday morning, with several states facing life-threatening conditions as temperatures plunge far below zero.

Wind Chills Plunge to 40–50 Below Zero in Northern States

According to the provided map, northern Minnesota is forecast to experience the most extreme cold, with wind chills between 40 and 50 degrees below zero.
Parts of North Dakota, northern Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan are also projected to see wind chill values in the 30 to 40 below zero range.

These are levels that can cause frostbite in minutes and make travel or outdoor activity dangerous.

Midwest Cities Facing Brutal Cold

Major population centers across the region will not be spared:

• Chicago: 20 to 30 below zero
• Minneapolis: 30 to 40 below zero
• Kansas City: 10 to 20 below zero
• Columbus: 0 to 5 below zero

The cold air mass extends deep across the central United States, with even traditionally milder regions seeing harsh conditions.

Southern Plains Feeling the Impact

Farther south:

• Oklahoma City (OKC): 1 to 9 degrees
• Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW): 10 to 19 degrees

Though not as extreme as the northern states, these temperatures are still well below seasonal norms and pose risks to people, pets, and unprotected pipes.

Cold Extends From Rockies to East Coast

The map shows widespread impacts across the country:

• Denver and Salt Lake City (SLC) remain in a zone of intense cold.
• Buffalo, New York City, Atlanta, and Nashville will also face dangerous wind chills on Sunday morning.
• Even parts of the Southeast are included in the subzero wind chill gradient.

The message accompanying the map warns residents to stay warm, stay safe, and bring pets indoors, stressing the severity of the incoming cold.

Safety Precautions Strongly Advised

Residents across affected states should take immediate precautions:

• Limit time outdoors, especially early Sunday morning.
• Bring pets inside and provide adequate shelter for livestock.
• Protect pipes, especially in poorly insulated homes.
• Check on elderly neighbors or anyone without reliable heating.

Authorities note that wind chills reaching 30 to 50 below zero can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 5 to 10 minutes.

Looking Ahead

While temperatures may slowly improve after the weekend, the Sunday morning period remains the most dangerous based on the data shown.

NapervilleLocal.com will continue monitoring this Arctic outbreak and provide updates as additional information becomes available.