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Maine Winter Weather Awareness Week Oct 25-31: How Fast Can Frostbite Hit?
Augusta, ME – How long could you stay outside before the cold starts damaging your skin? For Maine residents, the answer can change dramatically when strong winds combine with freezing temperatures. U
By Avery Collins · 2026-10-26T06:42:40.663Z
Augusta, ME – How long could you stay outside before the cold starts damaging your skin? For Maine residents, the answer can change dramatically when strong winds combine with freezing temperatures. Under extreme conditions, frostbite can develop on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes or less.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , wind chill measures how cold the air feels on exposed skin based on the combined effects of wind speed and temperature. As wind increases, the body loses heat faster, raising the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
For example, when the air temperature is 0 degrees Fahrenheit and winds reach 20 mph, the wind chill drops to approximately 22 degrees below zero.
How Quickly Can Frostbite Develop? The colder the wind chill, the faster exposed skin can freeze.
According to NWS wind chill guidance, frostbite can develop in approximately 30 minutes when wind chills reach around 20 degrees below zero. At more extreme values, frostbite may develop in 10 minutes or less.
Frostbite can cause numbness, pale or waxy looking skin and lasting tissue damage. Hypothermia, which occurs when the body's core temperature drops dangerously low, can cause uncontrollable shivering, confusion and drowsiness.
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. People should avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure and wear protective winter clothing when going outside.
Importantly, wind chill affects living skin, not the actual temperature of objects. Vehicles and exposed water pipes cannot become colder than the surrounding air solely because of wind, although wind can make them cool faster.
How Can Maine Residents Protect Themselves? Before extreme cold arrives:
Cover exposed skin: Wear hats, insulated gloves, scarves and wind resistant outerwear. Dress in layers: Choose warm, dry clothing and change out of wet garments promptly. Limit time outdoors: Take warming breaks and avoid unnecessary exposure during extreme cold warnings. Prepare emergency supplies: Keep blankets, medications, flashlights, batteries, food, water and charged power banks available. Stock vehicles: Carry a blanket, winter clothing, phone charger, ice scraper and 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 Maine From Portland and Cumberland County to Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston, Presque Isle and Fort Kent, dangerous wind chills can affect communities throughout the state.
Northern Maine and Aroostook County can experience particularly severe winter cold, while strong winds along the coast can increase heat loss from exposed skin.
Travelers along Interstate 95, U.S. Route 1 and remote northern highways should prepare for the possibility of vehicle breakdowns during freezing conditions.
As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues through Saturday, October 31, residents are encouraged to review winter emergency supplies 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.