The snow emergencies may be over for now, but the bitter cold will be sticking around for a bit longer across much of central and southern Minnesota, according to the National Weather Service.
A windchill advisory for the region, initially expected to last through noon Tuesday, has been extended through 10 a.m. Wednesday by the National Weather Service.
Windchills are expected to fall into the 25-below to 30-below zero range. Temperatures will moderate slightly late tonight, with windchills improving through 10 a.m. Wednesday.
In a windchill advisory, frostbite and hypothermia are possible if people are not dressed properly, including hats and gloves.
The Weather Service forecast for Wednesday calls for temperatures around 14, but gusty, with dangerous windchills. Those conditions continue on New Year's Eve.
Experts advise motorists to take cold-weather precautions. Frigid weather can lower air pressure in tires, so drivers are counseled to check tires and spares.
January is the coldest month of the year here, and that's likely to be the case in 2015, said meteorologist Paul Douglas.
The return of the cold was good for one thing, as some outside skating rinks were ready for use. In Minneapolis, the Lake of the Isles rinks opened Monday, as did the Arden, Countryside, Highlands, Lewis, Normandale and Pamela rinks in Edina.
