Boston, MA – As Arctic air spreads across New England this December, residents across the region are facing a shared question: Do I have hypothermia? With overnight lows expected to fall near 12 degrees in many areas Sunday night — and even colder in higher elevations — health officials warn that cold exposure can quickly become dangerous.
According to the National Weather Service, a widespread blast of Arctic air is impacting all six New England states, bringing clear skies, gusty winds, and sharply colder overnight temperatures. Wind chills are expected to dip into the single digits and near zero in parts of the region, significantly increasing the risk of hypothermia and frostbite.
State-by-State: What to Expect
Massachusetts: Overnight lows in the teens are expected Sunday night, with colder wind chills along the coast and in central and western parts of the state.
Connecticut: Temperatures are forecast to fall into the low to mid-teens overnight, with brisk winds making it feel even colder.
Rhode Island: Coastal winds will push wind chills into the teens and single digits despite air temperatures near the mid-teens.
New Hampshire: Lows near or below 10 degrees are possible, especially in northern and interior areas, with dangerous wind chills overnight.
Vermont: One of the coldest spots in the region, with overnight lows dipping into the single digits and wind chills near or below zero.
Maine: Northern and interior Maine could see single-digit lows, while coastal areas fall into the teens with strong winds.
Do I Have Hypothermia?
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing core body temperature to drop below 95 degrees. Early symptoms include uncontrollable shivering, slurred speech, confusion, clumsiness, and extreme fatigue. As the condition worsens, shivering may weaken or stop entirely — a medical emergency.
Frostbite is also a major concern during this Arctic blast. Warning signs include numbness, pale or bluish skin, and hard or waxy-feeling skin, most often affecting fingers, toes, ears, and noses.
Officials urge New England residents to limit outdoor exposure during the coldest hours, especially overnight and early Monday morning. If you must be outside, wear multiple loose layers, insulated gloves, hats, and face coverings. Take frequent warm-up breaks indoors, avoid alcohol, and check on older adults, children, unhoused individuals, and anyone without reliable heating.
If hypothermia is suspected, seek medical attention immediately. Move the person to a warm location, remove wet clothing, wrap them in dry blankets, and warm the body gradually. Avoid rubbing extremities or applying direct heat.
As Arctic air grips New England this December, recognizing the warning signs of hypothermia could save lives during this dangerous cold snap.
