-43 wind chill recorded in Grand Marais area, cold weather advisory in effect

The arctic air has descended on Grand Marais and areas along the North Shore. 

And with it, it brought significant negative temperatures to the area. 

“This is our first, like, real cold surge of arctic air that we’ve seen so far this season,” Kevin Huyck told WTIP on Dec. 12. 

In Grand Marais and at the WTIP station, temperatures range from -6 to -8 degrees as of 9 a.m. However, with the wind chill, temperatures fall to -32 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. 

Areas farther inland up the Gunflint Trail are experiencing -17 degree temperatures, with wind chill values bringing -32 to -43 temperatures. 

Huyck said at approximately 7:40 a.m., the Grand Marais/Cook County Airport “recorded a wind chill of -43.”

“So definitely a chilly start to the morning,” Huyck said. 

A cold weather advisory is in effect for Cook County until 10 a.m. this morning. The advisory states that dangerously cold wind chills, as low as -35, could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. 

WTIP spoke with National Weather Service meteorologist Kevin Huyck at 8:40 a.m. on Dec. 12. The audio from the interview is below.

Kalli Hawkins December 12, 2024