Extreme Cold/Wind Chill — Benton, Minnesota

2021-12-31 · Benton, Minnesota

Event narrative

A few observations across the county indicated temperatures fell into the teens below zero by mid evening, and steadily fell through the night. As wind speeds remained around 10 to 15 mph, wind chill values dropped below -35F, with several values near -40F by midnight.

Wider weather episode

The first Arctic airmass arrived before the end of the year with temperatures falling into the teens and 20s below zero. Northwest winds averaged around 10-15 mph, and combined with the very cold temperatures, caused wind chill values to average in the -30 to -40F degree range before the end of the year.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 994672. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.