Weather
Missouri Winter Weather Awareness Week Oct 25-31: Frostbite in Minutes?
Jefferson City, MO – Could a short walk to work, a wait at a Kansas City bus stop or just a few minutes outdoors be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, Octobe
By Sophie Caldwell · 2026-10-26T07:12:00.521Z
Jefferson City, MO – Could a short walk to work, a wait at a Kansas City bus stop or just a few minutes outdoors be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, October 26, Missouri residents are being reminded that extreme cold and strong winds can make outdoor exposure dangerous faster than expected.
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 estimates vary with conditions and individual exposure.
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 updated forecasts.
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 strong winds can cause them to cool toward that temperature faster.
How Can Missouri 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 time outdoors 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 Missouri From Kansas City and Jackson County to St. Louis, St. Charles, Columbia, Jefferson City, Springfield, Joplin, St. Joseph and Cape Girardeau, dangerous wind chills can affect communities statewide.
Northern Missouri, including communities near Kirksville, Maryville and Chillicothe, can experience prolonged bitter cold during Arctic outbreaks.
Across western and central Missouri, open farmland and exposed highways can leave agricultural workers and stranded motorists vulnerable to strong winter winds.
In the Kansas City and St. Louis metropolitan areas, commuters waiting for buses or trains may face prolonged exposure during extreme cold.
The Ozarks, including areas near Springfield, Branson and West Plains, can also experience dangerous wind chills when Arctic air reaches southern Missouri.
Travelers along Interstate 70, Interstate 44, Interstate 35, Interstate 29 and Interstate 55 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.