Weather
Iowa Winter Weather Awareness Week Oct 25-31: When Wind Turns Deadly
Des Moines, IA – Could a short walk to work, a wait at a bus stop or a few minutes outside during extreme cold be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, October
By Dylan Reeves · 2026-10-26T07:10:25.016Z
Des Moines, IA – Could a short walk to work, a wait at a bus stop or a few minutes outside during extreme cold be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, October 26, Iowa residents are being reminded that strong winds can make freezing temperatures significantly more dangerous.
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 are approximate estimates, not guaranteed exposure times.
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 forecast updates.
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 make them cool toward that temperature faster.
How Can Iowa 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. Limit exposure: Take indoor warming breaks and avoid unnecessary outdoor activity during extreme cold warnings. Prepare supplies: Keep blankets, medications, food, water, flashlights and charged phones available. Stock vehicles: Carry extra clothing, blankets, a phone charger, flashlight 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 Iowa From Des Moines and Polk County to Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Waterloo, Dubuque, Ames, Mason City, Fort Dodge, Sioux City and Council Bluffs, dangerous wind chills can affect communities statewide.
Northern Iowa, including Cerro Gordo, Winnebago and Worth counties, can experience particularly bitter temperatures during Arctic outbreaks.
Across central and western Iowa, open farmland provides little shelter from strong winds, increasing exposure risks for agricultural workers, motorists and people stranded outdoors.
In the Des Moines metropolitan area, commuters waiting for DART buses or walking between buildings may face prolonged exposure during extreme cold.
Eastern Iowa communities along the Interstate 380 corridor, including Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, can also experience hazardous wind chills during severe winter outbreaks.
Travelers along Interstate 80, Interstate 35, Interstate 29 and Interstate 380 should keep winter emergency supplies available in case of breakdowns.
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.