Arctic air entering Minnesota has resulted in the rapid plunging of temperatures throughout the area, bringing subzero wind chill levels, the lowest they have been since last winter.

According to National Weather Service – La Crosse meteorologist Logan Lee, highs for Tuesday and Wednesday will be in the single digits with lows falling below zero. Wind chills are expected to go as low as 20 below zero.

“We will definitely be colder than we have been, and we don’t see things warming up until Thursday,” Lee said. “By Friday, we should be back in the 30s.”

Lee advised that frostbite could occur if you are not properly dressed while outside. He also said that jackets, gloves and hats are good items to have in the car should you have to go out.

For safety indoors during low temperatures, make sure that your furnace is properly working and that your gas meter is clear of snow. To prevent pipes from freezing, let a trickle of water run overnight from the faucet and open cabinets under the sink to allow for warmer air to flow around the pipes.

If you have elderly neighbors, check on them to make sure they have properly working heat.