Weather
Georgia Winter Weather Awareness Week Oct 25-31: Frostbite in Minutes?
Atlanta, GA – Georgia may be better known for hot summers than dangerous winter cold, but a powerful Arctic outbreak can make even a short period outdoors hazardous. As Winter Weather Awareness Week c
By Claire Benton · 2026-10-26T07:03:25.516Z
Atlanta, GA – Georgia may be better known for hot summers than dangerous winter cold, but a powerful Arctic outbreak can make even a short period outdoors hazardous. As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, October 26, residents are being reminded that strong winds can increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia when temperatures plunge.
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 removes heat from the body faster, making freezing conditions more dangerous.
For example, an air temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit combined with 20 mph winds produces a wind chill of approximately 22 degrees below zero.
How Quickly Can Frostbite Develop? Under extreme conditions, frostbite can develop faster than many people realize.
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.
Such conditions are uncommon across much of Georgia but illustrate the danger of severe Arctic outbreaks.
Frostbite symptoms include numbness and pale or waxy looking skin. Hypothermia warning signs include shivering, confusion, slurred speech and unusual drowsiness. Suspected hypothermia requires urgent medical care.
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 forecast updates.
An Extreme Cold Warning means dangerously cold conditions are expected or occurring. Limit outdoor exposure and take protective precautions.
Wind chill does not lower the temperature of cars, pipes or other objects below the actual air temperature, although wind can make them cool toward that temperature faster.
How Can Georgia Residents Stay Safe? Before severe cold arrives:
Cover exposed skin: Wear gloves, hats, scarves and wind resistant outerwear. Dress in layers: Choose warm, dry clothing and change wet garments promptly. Limit exposure: Take indoor warming breaks during dangerous cold. Prepare emergency supplies: Keep blankets, medications, water, food and flashlights available. Stock vehicles: Carry extra clothing, blankets, a phone charger and 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 Georgia From Atlanta and Fulton County to Marietta, Gainesville, Athens, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Savannah and Valdosta, severe cold can affect communities statewide.
North Georgia, particularly the Blue Ridge Mountains near Blairsville, Blue Ridge, Dahlonega and Helen, can experience some of the state's harshest winter temperatures.
Across Metro Atlanta, commuters waiting for MARTA trains or buses and workers spending extended periods outdoors may face increased exposure during Arctic outbreaks.
In coastal communities near Savannah and Brunswick, strong winds can increase heat loss from exposed skin when unusually cold air reaches the Atlantic coast.
Travelers along Interstate 75, Interstate 85, Interstate 20 and Interstate 95 should keep winter emergency supplies available in case of breakdowns during severe 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.