Weather
Ohio Winter Weather Awareness Week Oct 25-31: How Cold Is Too Cold?
Columbus, OH – Could a short walk to work, a wait at the bus stop or just a few minutes outdoors be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, October 26, Ohio resid
By Lena Wood · 2026-10-26T06:49:14.154Z
Columbus, OH – Could a short walk to work, a wait at the bus stop or just a few minutes outdoors be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, October 26, Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio From Cleveland and Cuyahoga County to Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, Dayton, Youngstown and Canton, dangerous wind chills can affect communities statewide.
Northern Ohio, particularly communities near Lake Erie, can experience strong winter winds that increase heat loss from exposed skin.
Cleveland, Lorain, Sandusky, Toledo and Ashtabula may face particularly harsh exposure during cold outbreaks, especially along the shoreline and in open areas.
In central and southwestern Ohio, residents in Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati can also face dangerous conditions while commuting, working outdoors or waiting for public transportation.
Travelers along Interstate 90, Interstate 71, Interstate 75 and Interstate 70 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.