Weather
Indiana Winter Weather Awareness Week Oct 25-31: Frostbite in Minutes?
Indianapolis, IN – Could a short walk to work, a wait at the bus stop or a few minutes outside be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, October 26, Indiana resi
By Nolan Pierce · 2026-10-26T06:56:23.078Z
Indianapolis, IN – Could a short walk to work, a wait at the bus stop or a few minutes outside be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, October 26, Indiana residents are being reminded that strong winds can turn freezing temperatures into a serious health threat. Under extreme conditions, exposed skin can develop frostbite in minutes.
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. Strong winds carry heat away from the body faster, 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? The lower the wind chill, the faster exposed skin can freeze.
NWS guidance indicates frostbite may develop in approximately 30 minutes at wind chills near 20 degrees below zero. At more extreme values, frostbite can develop in 10 minutes or less.
Warning signs include numbness, pale or waxy looking skin and reduced sensation. Hypothermia can cause intense shivering, confusion, slurred speech and unusual drowsiness.
Anyone showing signs of hypothermia needs immediate 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 updated forecasts.
An Extreme Cold Warning means dangerously cold conditions are expected or occurring. Residents should avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure and wear protective winter clothing when outside.
Wind chill does not lower the temperature of cars, exposed water pipes or other objects below the actual air temperature. However, strong winds can make those objects cool toward the air temperature more quickly.
How Can Indiana 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 outdoor activity during extreme cold warnings. Prepare emergency supplies: Keep blankets, medications, food, water, flashlights and charged power banks available. Stock vehicles: Carry extra clothing, blankets, a phone charger, ice scraper and winter emergency supplies. Never operate generators, grills or outdoor fuel burning heaters inside homes or garages because of deadly carbon monoxide risks.
Why It Matters Across Indiana From Indianapolis and Marion County to Fort Wayne, South Bend, Elkhart, Lafayette, Kokomo, Bloomington and Evansville, dangerous wind chills can affect communities statewide.
Northern Indiana, particularly communities near Lake Michigan such as Gary, Hammond, Michigan City and Valparaiso, can experience strong winter winds that increase heat loss from exposed skin.
Across central Indiana, open farmland and exposed highways can leave motorists and outdoor workers vulnerable during Arctic cold outbreaks.
In the Indianapolis metropolitan area, commuters waiting for buses or working outdoors may face prolonged exposure when temperatures drop.
Travelers along Interstate 65, Interstate 69, Interstate 70, Interstate 80/94 and the Indiana Toll Road should keep winter emergency supplies available in case of breakdowns during extreme cold.
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.