Green Bay, WI – As an intense Arctic blast settles over Wisconsin this December, dangerously cold conditions are prompting an urgent question for many residents: Do I have hypothermia? With wind chills plunging as low as 30 to 35 degrees below zero, health officials say even short periods outdoors can become life-threatening.
According to the National Weather Service in Green Bay, a Cold Weather Advisory is in effect from midnight Friday through 10 a.m. Sunday for much of central, east-central, north-central, and northeast Wisconsin. Cities including Green Bay, Wausau, Stevens Point, Appleton, Oshkosh, and surrounding communities are expected to experience extreme wind chills capable of causing frostbite in as little as 10 minutes.
Hypothermia occurs when the body’s core temperature drops below 95 degrees. Early warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, slurred speech, confusion, clumsiness, and overwhelming fatigue. As exposure continues, shivering may stop, mental status can rapidly decline, and the condition can become life-threatening without immediate treatment.
Frostbite is also a major concern during this Arctic weather event. Symptoms include numbness, pale or bluish skin, and a hard or waxy feeling on exposed areas such as fingers, toes, ears, and noses. Because frozen tissue becomes numb, people often do not realize frostbite is occurring until significant damage has already been done.
Officials urge Wisconsinites to avoid unnecessary outdoor travel during the coldest periods. If you must be outside, wear multiple loose layers, insulated gloves, a hat, and face covering. Take frequent breaks indoors, avoid alcohol, and check on older adults, children, and anyone without reliable heat.
If hypothermia is suspected, seek medical help immediately. Move the person to a warm area, remove wet clothing, wrap them in dry blankets, and warm the body gradually. Do not rub extremities or apply direct heat, which can worsen internal injuries.
As Arctic air continues to impact Wisconsin, recognizing the signs of hypothermia and frostbite is critical to staying safe during this dangerous December weather pattern.
