Weather
North Carolina Winter Weather Awareness Week Oct 25-31: Wind Chill Dangers
Raleigh, NC – Could a short walk to work, a wait at a bus stop or just a few minutes outdoors be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, October 26, North Carolin
By Nora Whitfield · 2026-10-26T07:00:18.772Z
Raleigh, NC – Could a short walk to work, a wait at a bus stop or just a few minutes outdoors be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, October 26, North Carolina residents are being reminded that strong winds can turn freezing temperatures into a serious health threat. Under extreme conditions, exposed skin can develop frostbite in minutes.
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. Strong winds carry heat away from the body faster, 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? The lower the wind chill, the faster exposed skin can freeze.
NWS guidance indicates frostbite may develop in approximately 30 minutes at wind chills near 20 degrees below zero. At more extreme values, frostbite can develop in 10 minutes or less.
Warning signs include numbness, pale or waxy looking skin and reduced sensation. Hypothermia can cause intense shivering, confusion, slurred speech and unusual drowsiness.
Anyone showing signs of hypothermia needs immediate 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 avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure and wear protective winter clothing when outside.
Wind chill does not lower the temperature of cars, exposed water pipes or other objects below the actual air temperature. However, strong winds can make those objects cool toward the air temperature more quickly.
How Can North Carolina 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 outdoor activity during extreme cold warnings. Prepare emergency supplies: Keep blankets, medications, food, water, flashlights and charged power banks available. Stock vehicles: Carry extra clothing, blankets, a phone charger, ice scraper and winter emergency supplies. Never operate generators, grills or outdoor fuel burning heaters inside homes or garages because of deadly carbon monoxide risks.
Why It Matters Across North Carolina From Charlotte and Mecklenburg County to Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, Winston Salem, Asheville, Boone, Fayetteville and Wilmington, dangerous wind chills can affect communities statewide.
Western North Carolina, particularly the Blue Ridge Mountains and higher elevations near Boone, Banner Elk and Mount Mitchell, can experience some of the state's harshest winter conditions.
The Asheville area and mountain communities along the Tennessee border can face bitter temperatures and strong winds during Arctic cold outbreaks.
In the Charlotte and Raleigh metropolitan areas, commuters and outdoor workers may face dangerous exposure when freezing temperatures combine with gusty winds.
Along the Outer Banks and coastal communities near Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills and Hatteras, strong ocean winds can increase heat loss from exposed skin during winter cold spells.
Travelers along Interstate 40, Interstate 77, Interstate 85 and Interstate 95 should keep winter emergency supplies available in case of breakdowns during extreme cold.
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.