Extreme Cold Warning issued for part of Michigan, wind chill already reaching 40 below zero

An extreme cold warning — the first of its kind for Michigan — has been issued for the western part of the upper peninsula. It’s a part of the state where the wind chill has already plunged to 40 degrees below zero in at least one location today, and daytime temperatures will struggle to get above zero on Monday and Tuesday.

Almost all of Michigan is already covered by a Cold Weather Advisory, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). In the Lower Peninsula and the eastern end of the Upper Peninsula, daytime temperatures on Monday and Tuesday are expected to be in the single digits. But the incredibly bitter Arctic air will cause wind chills — the temperature “feels like” — to drop to 25 below zero or even lower in some areas.

This is dangerous cold air for people as well as pets. Frostbite can occur in 30 minutes or less when the skin is exposed to such cold air.

But the western end of the Upper Peninsula is expected to get the far end of this Siberian Express — the bitingly cold air originating in Siberia that is already flowing over Michigan.

Extreme cold warning is issued from later Monday to midday Tuesday.

“The dangerously cold chills as low as 40 degrees below zero can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes,” said NWS meteorologists in Marquette. “Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. A prolonged period of freezing temperatures can cause burst water pipes.”

Iron Mountain, on the western end of the UP, already had a recorded wind chill of 40 below zero early this morning, the NWS team said.

Early on Tuesday, wind chills as low as -45 have been forecast.

“Homeowners and property managers should take action now during this cold period, especially if previous very cold periods have resulted,” the NWS team said in its forecast notes today. “Make sure your winter car survival kit is up to date. This weekend through Tuesday, limit time outdoors for you and your pets, and check on vulnerable neighbors.”

This cold air also brings snowfall in West Michigan and windy, gusty snow in the Upper Peninsula. Michigan State Police announced earlier today that M-28 State Highway has been closed in both directions between Marquette and Munising because blowing snow from Lake Superior is causing whiteout conditions.