How Cold Was It in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula This Morning?

According to MLive, parts of the western UP saw wind chills near minus 48 degrees early this morning. Woah. Do you even realize how cold that truly is? That’s not just cold. That’s the kind of cold that makes you rethink every life choice that involves leaving the house.

That blast of Arctic air has been locked over Michigan and the Great Lakes, and it’s not in a hurry to move out. We're stuck with extremely cold temperatures, and dangerous wind chills are expected to stick around through Saturday morning.

The rest of Michigan isn’t getting off easy either. Wind chills in the Lower Peninsula are expected to dip into the minus 25 to minus 30 degree range.

How Fast Can Frostbite Happen in Extreme Cold?

Normally, frostbite takes time to develop. But there’s nothing normal about this kind of cold. With wind chills this extreme, exposed skin can freeze in as little as ten minutes or less. Fingers, toes, ears, noses, cheeks…anything left uncovered is at risk.

As Michiganders, we know the drill by now. This isn’t our first rodeo. Limit time outdoors when you can. Dress in layers. Cover exposed skin. And if you have to be outside for work, shoveling, or walking the dog, this isn't the kind of weather to push your luck.

This kind of cold deserves mad respect, even though it sucks.

3 Michigan Cities That Combat Ice and Snow with Heated Sidewalks

Not only are Michigan winters wet and cold, but they're downright dangerous! From power outages and slipping hazards, to carbon monoxide poisoning-- what isn't trying to kill us this time of the year? These 3 Michigan cities keep sidewalks clear thanks to an underground snowmelt system.

Gallery Credit: Lauren Gordon