Extreme cold expected Wednesday, Thursday

An extreme cold watch has been issued for northern Minnesota, including the counties of Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater and Hubbard, starting Wednesday.

The National Weather Service said the extreme cold watch will be in effect through Thursday morning, bringing the coldest temperatures of the season so far.

Bitterly cold temperatures will move into the area throughout Wednesday night, with winds increasing into the 10 to 20 mph range. Temperatures are expected to drop down below zero, and into the 15 to 20 below range overnight, forcing wind chill values to the minus-30 to minus-45 range.

Temperatures are expected to recover by later on Thursday, but frostbite can occur within minutes.

The weather service says an extreme cold watch means that prolonged periods of very cold temperatures are expected. Children wear a hat and gloves, and outdoor animals should have warm shelter.