Renee Rasmussen breaks off on her own as she skates with her family during cold but sunny weather at Centennial Lakes in Edina, Minn., on Jan. 3, 2025. (Renée Jones Schneider/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Bitterly cold temperatures will greet Minnesotans as they start the workweek, with Monday night likely the chilliest of the winter.

After freezing temperatures last week, the National Weather Service on Sunday issued an extreme cold warning for most of Minnesota for Monday.

Temperatures are expected to fall across the state to 10 to 20 degrees below zero by early morning; windchills will likely be between minus 35 and minus 45.

“Welcome to the freezer aisle!” Weather Service forecasters said in an area forecast discussion.

The extreme cold warning applies to central and western Minnesota, which should expect windchills of 40 to 45 degrees below zero.

A cold weather advisory was issued for the rest of the state, including the Twin Cities, which could see wind chills between minus 25 to minus 35 on Monday morning.

Temperatures are expected to stay below zero throughout the day, but sunshine should help make the temperatures more tolerable.

However, once the sun sets, the Weather Service said, temperatures will likely be the lowest yet, falling to the minus 20s across most of the state, but 30 below in central Minnesota.

Any wind will send windchills into the 35- to 45-below range, according to the Weather Service. Gusts of up to 15 mph are predicted Monday, and an extreme cold watch was issued for late Monday night into Tuesday morning.

Dangerously cold temperatures could stick around through Tuesday morning. Single-digit and below-zero temperatures are expected to continue for the first half of the week.

Minnesota isn’t alone. Arctic air will freeze much of the U.S. during the first half of the week, with sub-zero temperatures expected throughout the Midwest.

But a break from the bitter cold is around the corner.

A warming trend over several days could bring highs in the 30s by next weekend and the 40s the following week. The Weather Service predicts above-normal temperatures for the rest of February.

Brace for the cold

Minnesotans are no stranger to cold winters, but the first half of this week will be especially dangerous.

City and county officials advise residents to take precautions to avoid frostbite and other issues:

Protect your pipes: Run cold and hot water from at least one faucet during extremely cold weather to keep water moving through the pipes. And open cabinets under sinks in the kitchen and bathroom to let warm air circulate around plumbing, especially on exterior walls.
Prepare to shut off water: Find your home’s water shut-off valve in case a pipe bursts.
Bring pets inside: Be extra cautious and don’t let pets outdoors any more than necessary.
Prepare your car: Fill your gas tank. Check tire pressure, wiper fluid and oil levels. Pack your car with an ice scraper and warm clothes or blankets.
Dress for the weather: Dress in layers and protect your lungs by wearing a face-covering when outdoors.