Cold air coupled with strong winds are expected to blast dangerously cold conditions across southern Minnesota over the next couple of days.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory for Freeborn County, which goes into effect at noon Thursday and expires at 9 a.m. Friday.

A slight chance of snow showers are expected before noon Thursday, with areas of blowing snow and scattered flurries that could last through the afternoon. A high of 6 degrees will feel like 14 below to 24 below as winds between 8 and 18 mph and gusts as high as 28 mph blow in.

Thursday night, the low of 18 degrees below zero could feel as cold as 35 below as high winds continue.

Further north, temperatures will get even colder, with the high in International Falls expected to be 4 below on Friday with the low temperature of 29 below degrees.

Temperatures will remain frigidly low until Saturday, when the mercury is expected to rise to 11 degrees.

Extremely cold temperatures could result in frost bite and lead to hypothermia if precautions are not taken. It is advised for those who venture outdoors to be sure and wear a hat and gloves.

People with outdoor pets are also urged to give animals shelter from the cold.

Blue Earth, Waseca, Steele, Mower and Faribault Counties, along with Worth and Winnebago Counties in Iowa have also been included in the warning.

Forecasters say daytime temperatures may not make it above zero in northern Minnesota. Friday morning lows could drop to 30 below and colder from the Iron Range north.

In the Twin Cities, local shelters are reporting an increase in the number of people looking for warmth and a hot meal. The Salvation Army’s Harbor Light in downtown Minneapolis can accommodate as many as 500 people each night. Director Dominick Bouza says the number of people needing help is up about 15 percent.