Weather
Delaware Winter Weather Awareness Week Oct 25-31: How Cold Is Too Cold?
Dover, DE – Could a short walk outside or a few minutes waiting for transportation be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, October 26, Delaware residents are b
By Mason Reid · 2026-10-26T06:46:35.440Z
Dover, DE – Could a short walk outside or a few minutes waiting for transportation be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, October 26, Delaware residents are being reminded that strong winds can make freezing temperatures far more dangerous. 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. Stronger 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 wind chill 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 and pale or waxy looking skin. Hypothermia can cause 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. 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, wind can make those objects cool toward the air temperature more quickly.
How Can Delaware 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 Delaware From Wilmington and New Castle County to Newark, Middletown, Dover, Milford, Georgetown and Seaford, dangerous wind chills can affect communities statewide.
Strong winds along Delaware Bay and the Atlantic coastline can increase heat loss from exposed skin, especially for outdoor workers and people waiting for transportation.
Coastal communities such as Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island can experience biting winds during winter cold outbreaks.
In northern Delaware, commuters traveling through the Wilmington area and into the Philadelphia metropolitan region may face prolonged exposure at transit stops and outdoor work sites.
Travelers along Interstate 95, Route 1 and U.S. Route 13 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.