Minnesota–Florida Weather Split: 100-Degree “Feels Like” Difference as Upper Midwest Faces -40°F Wind Chills While Miami Stays Near 80°

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – A powerful blast of Arctic air will plunge into the Upper Midwest this weekend, sending wind chills toward -40°F and actual lows near -20°F, even as Miami, Florida, enjoys “feels like” temperatures close to 80°F. The staggering north–south contrast adds up to roughly a 100-degree difference in how the air will feel on Sunday afternoon.

Forecasters say this pattern will create dangerously cold conditions across Minnesota, Wisconsin, the Dakotas and surrounding states, while much of Florida experiences a warm, almost early-spring weekend.

Upper Midwest bracing for life-threatening cold

The latest wind-chill projection map highlights a deep purple and pink swath of bitter Arctic air centered over Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. Around Minneapolis, “feels like” temperatures are expected to drop to about -20°F on Sunday, with even colder values possible farther north and west.

Morning wind chills in portions of the Upper Midwest could fall to -40°F, according to the graphic, as the coldest air settles in during the overnight and early-morning hours. At those levels:

• Exposed skin can begin to freeze in as little as 10 minutes.
• Frostbite and hypothermia become real risks for anyone caught outside without proper protection.
• Even seasoned “snowbirds” returning home from warmer states will find the cold dangerous, not just uncomfortable.

Cities likely to feel the worst of this Arctic outbreak include Minneapolis–St. Paul, Duluth, Fargo, Grand Forks and parts of northern Wisconsin and Michigan.

Why the temperature gap is so extreme

This weekend’s setup reflects a strong north–south clash between Arctic and tropical air masses:

• A lobe of the polar vortex is dropping south out of Canada, driving intense cold and wind into the northern tier of the country.
• Farther south, warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico and subtropical Atlantic is holding firm over Florida, keeping temperatures there well above normal for mid-December.

The map comparing Minneapolis to Miami on Sunday afternoon shows deeply negative “feels like” values in the Upper Midwest, while South Florida sits in a warm orange and red zone around 80°F. That kind of contrast is typical when the jet stream dips sharply south in the center of the country but bulges north along the Southeast coast.

What to expect in Minnesota, Wisconsin and neighboring states

For residents across the Upper Midwest and western Great Lakes, the main story will be dangerous cold rather than heavy snow:

• Temperatures: Actual air temperatures are expected to plunge below zero in northern Minnesota and the Dakotas, with single digits or low teens farther south.
• Wind chills: Strong northwesterly winds will drive the apparent temperature to -20°F to -40°F at times, especially Sunday morning.
• Travel and outdoor plans: Any outdoor sporting events, errands or travel should be planned with extreme cold in mind. Vehicles may struggle to start, and breakdowns could quickly become life-threatening if drivers are not prepared.

Families with loved ones who are elderly, homeless or lack adequate heating should check in frequently and help arrange warm shelter where needed.

Meanwhile in Florida, a warm escape from winter

While the Upper Midwest bundles up, Florida will live up to its snowbird reputation:

• The map shows Miami’s “feels like” temperature near 80°F on Sunday afternoon, a level more typical of late spring than mid-December for many parts of the country.
• Much of the Florida Peninsula should see highs in the upper 70s to low 80s, with warm, humid air and only a modest breeze.
• Visitors escaping northern winter will experience a “brutally mild” weekend, as one forecaster put it, in sharp contrast to the brutal cold back home.

This setup helps explain why so many retirees and vacationers choose Florida as a winter refuge: a short flight can take you from sub-zero wind chills to beach weather.

Safety tips for those in the deep freeze

If you live in Minnesota, Wisconsin, the Dakotas or nearby states affected by this Arctic blast, forecasters urge you to treat this cold snap with respect:

• Limit time outdoors, especially Sunday morning when wind chills are lowest.
• Dress in layers, including a hat, gloves, scarf and insulated footwear. Exposed skin should be covered.
• Prepare your vehicle with a full tank of gas, blankets, phone charger and emergency kit in case of breakdowns.
• Check furnaces and space heaters to ensure they are working properly and used safely, with adequate ventilation.
• Look out for vulnerable neighbors, including seniors, young children and people without stable housing or reliable heating.

As the nation heads deeper into December, this weekend will showcase one of the sharpest temperature contrasts of the season — from life-threatening cold in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to summertime warmth in Miami, Florida.

For continuing updates on the Arctic outbreak, any changes in the forecast, and how this pattern could evolve closer to Christmas, stay tuned to WaldronNews.com for the latest weather coverage and safety information.