Map shows 12 states facing extreme cold as frostbite warning issued
A dozen states were under extreme cold warning from the National Weather Service (NWS) early Tuesday morning, with meteorologists cautioning that "dangerously cold" wind chills would hit.
Why It Matters
The U.S. has already faced multiple bouts of challenging weather this season. Freezing temperatures can pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as infants and older adults.
What To Know
As of Tuesday morning, extreme cold warnings had been issued in the following states:
- Montana
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Iowa
- Nebraska
- Kansas
- Colorado
- Oklahoma
- Texas
- Arkansas
Areas affected included north, northeast and eastern Montana, the entirety of North Dakota and Minnesota, central and northwestern Wisconsin, central Texas and the Texas Panhandle, western and northern Kansas, and eastern Colorado, as well as almost all of South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa.
In northeast Montana, wind chills as low as 58 below were expected.
Portions of central and east central South Dakota, as well as a portion of southwest Minnesota could see chills as low as 45 below.
Wind chills as low as 35 below zero were possible for parts of north central Kansas and central, east central, and south central Nebraska.
In the panhandles of Texas and Oklahoma, the NWS said wind chills could reach as low as 30 below.
The NWS issues an extreme cold warning when "when dangerously cold air temperatures or wind chill values are expected or occurring."
The service warned that "dangerously cold" wind chills presented a risk of frostbite and hypothermia if unprotected skin is exposed to such temperatures.
It advises those in affected areas to dress in layers, including hats, face masks, and gloves, if they must venture outdoors.
"Keep pets indoors as much as possible," it said, adding that residents should "make sure outdoor animals have a warm, dry shelter, food, and unfrozen water."
What People Are Saying
NWS Bismarck, North Dakota, posted to X on Tuesday: "Late last night (on the 17th), the Bismarck Airport fell to -35 degrees, breaking a 150-year old record low! Record cold maximum temperatures were observed at Dickinson and Williston yesterday, and Minot just missed both their record low and cold maximum by one degree."
NWS Amarillo, Texas, said on X, Monday: "Just a friendly reminder, with the wind chills Tue through Thu, it is going to be really cold. It is looking like there will be a very slight warm up Wed afternoon with positive wind chill values before they drop back into the negatives again Thu morning. Stay warm!"
What Happens Next
At the time of writing, the latest extreme cold warnings were in effect until Thursday.
The NWS issues regular forecast updates on its website.
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