Windchills to Reach Below-Zero Values in St. Michael and Albertville Through Tuesday Night

A northwest wind blowing about five to eight miles per hour has produced windchill values between -5 and two degrees in St. Michael and Albertville, according to the National Weather Service based in Chanhassen.

The winds, produced after the weekend blizzard, will become southwest in the afternoon, and the area can expect occasional flurries after midnight with a low around two degrees and windchill values between -4 and -9.

The flurries are forecasted to continue Tuesday, with a high near 21 and windchill values between -2 and eight degrees.

Lowest windchill readings for Tuesday night are expected to be around 12 below zero. 

Temperatures will rise Wednesday with a high near 31 degrees. The high for the rest of the week through Sunday is expected to stay around 30 degrees.

"Windchill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by wind and cold," states the National Weather Service. "As the wind increases, it draws heat from the body, driving down skin temperature and eventually the internal body temperature. Therefore, the wind makes it feel much colder."

The NWS advises people to stay out of the wind if they can and wear loose-fitting clothing as the air trapped between layers keeps heat in. Wear a hat as half of your body heat can be lost from your head.

"Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold," states the NWS. "Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves. Try to stay dry and out of the wind."