Weather
Arizona Winter Weather Awareness Week Oct 25-31: Frostbite in Minutes?
Phoenix, AZ – Arizona is famous for desert heat, but could a short hike near Flagstaff or a few minutes outside during extreme cold be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week conti
By Rachel Monroe · 2026-10-26T10:38:30.107Z
Phoenix, AZ – Arizona is famous for desert heat, but could a short hike near Flagstaff or a few minutes outside during extreme cold be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, October 26, residents are being reminded that freezing temperatures and strong winds can create dangerous conditions, particularly in northern Arizona.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , wind chill describes how cold the air feels on exposed skin when air temperature and wind speed are combined. Wind accelerates heat loss from the body, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
For example, when the air temperature is 0 degrees Fahrenheit and winds reach 20 mph, the wind chill is approximately 22 degrees below zero.
How Quickly Can Frostbite Develop? NWS guidance indicates exposed skin may develop frostbite in approximately 30 minutes at wind chills near 20 degrees below zero. At substantially lower wind chills, frostbite can develop in 10 minutes or less.
These estimates are approximate and depend on individual exposure and conditions.
Frostbite warning signs include numbness and pale or waxy looking skin. Hypothermia can cause shivering, confusion, slurred speech and unusual drowsiness. Suspected hypothermia requires urgent medical attention.
What's the Difference Between an Extreme Cold Watch and Warning? An Extreme Cold Watch means dangerously cold conditions are possible. Residents should prepare and monitor forecasts.
An Extreme Cold Warning means dangerously cold conditions are expected or occurring. Residents should limit outdoor exposure and take protective precautions.
Wind chill does not make cars, pipes or other objects colder than the actual air temperature, although wind can cause them to cool toward that temperature faster.
How Can Arizona Residents Stay Safe? Before extreme cold arrives:
Cover exposed skin: Wear insulated gloves, hats, scarves and wind resistant outerwear. Dress in layers: Keep clothing warm and dry, replacing wet garments promptly. Limit exposure: Take indoor warming breaks and avoid unnecessary time outdoors during extreme cold warnings. Prepare supplies: Keep blankets, medications, food, water, flashlights and charged phones available. Stock vehicles: Carry extra clothing, blankets, a flashlight, phone charger and winter emergency kit. Never operate generators, grills or outdoor fuel burning heaters inside homes or garages because of deadly carbon monoxide risks.
Why It Matters Across Arizona From Phoenix and Maricopa County to Tucson, Prescott, Flagstaff, Sedona, Payson, Show Low, Pinetop Lakeside, Winslow and Page, cold weather risks vary significantly by elevation.
Northern Arizona, particularly Coconino, Navajo and Apache counties, can experience some of the state's harshest winter temperatures.
Flagstaff, located at approximately 7,000 feet, regularly experiences freezing weather and snow. Higher elevations around the San Francisco Peaks can become dangerously cold and windy.
The White Mountains, including communities near Show Low, Pinetop Lakeside, Greer and Springerville, can also experience bitter temperatures during Arctic outbreaks.
Along the Grand Canyon's North Rim, high elevation and exposed terrain can create hazardous winter conditions.
Even in the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas, unusually cold outbreaks can threaten people without adequate shelter, especially overnight.
Travelers along Interstate 40, Interstate 17, Interstate 15, U.S. Highway 60 and State Route 260 should keep winter emergency supplies available when traveling through colder, higher elevation regions.
As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues through Saturday, October 31, residents are encouraged to review emergency supplies, check on vulnerable neighbors and monitor official NWS forecasts.
Remember: Wind chill doesn't change the air temperature. It changes how quickly your body loses heat — and how quickly exposed skin can become injured.