Weather
Utah Winter Weather Awareness Week Oct 25-31: Wind Chill Danger
Salt Lake City, UT – Could a short walk to work, a wait at a TRAX station or a few minutes outdoors in Utah's mountains be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday,
By Rachel Monroe · 2026-10-26T10:39:54.384Z
Salt Lake City, UT – Could a short walk to work, a wait at a TRAX station or a few minutes outdoors in Utah's mountains be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, October 26, residents are being reminded that extreme cold and strong winds can turn routine outdoor activities into serious health risks.
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 body heat loss, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
At 0 degrees Fahrenheit with winds of 20 mph, the wind chill is approximately 22 degrees below zero.
How Quickly Can Frostbite Develop? NWS guidance indicates that frostbite may develop on exposed skin in approximately 30 minutes at wind chills near 20 degrees below zero. At substantially colder wind chills, frostbite can develop in 10 minutes or less.
These estimates are approximate and vary with exposure and individual circumstances.
Frostbite symptoms include numbness and pale or waxy looking skin. Hypothermia symptoms include 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 dangerous cold is possible, giving residents time to prepare.
An Extreme Cold Warning means dangerous cold is expected or occurring, requiring immediate precautions.
Wind chill does not lower the temperature of vehicles, pipes or other objects below the actual air temperature, but wind can make them cool faster.
How Can Utah Residents Stay Safe? Before severe cold arrives:
Cover exposed skin: Wear insulated gloves, hats, scarves and wind resistant outerwear. Dress in layers: Choose warm, dry clothing and replace wet garments promptly. Limit outdoor exposure: Take warming breaks and avoid unnecessary trips during extreme cold warnings. Prepare emergency supplies: Keep blankets, medications, food, water and charged phones available. Stock vehicles: Carry extra clothing, blankets, a flashlight, phone charger and winter emergency kit. Never use generators, grills or outdoor fuel burning heaters inside homes or garages because of deadly carbon monoxide risks.
Why It Matters Across Utah From Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County to Ogden, Provo, Orem, Logan, Park City, Heber City, Vernal, Price, Cedar City and St. George, winter cold risks vary by elevation and geography.
Northern Utah communities in Cache, Box Elder and Weber counties can experience bitter cold during Arctic outbreaks.
The Wasatch Mountains, including areas near Alta, Snowbird, Brighton and Park City, can experience powerful winds and dangerously low wind chills.
In the Uinta Basin, communities near Vernal and Roosevelt can experience prolonged cold, particularly when cold air settles into valleys.
Along the Wasatch Front, commuters waiting for Utah Transit Authority buses, TRAX trains or FrontRunner service may face extended exposure during severe cold.
Even southern Utah's higher elevations, including Cedar City and nearby mountain communities, can experience hazardous winter conditions.
Travelers along Interstate 15, Interstate 80, Interstate 70, U.S. Highway 40 and U.S. Highway 89 should carry emergency supplies during winter travel.
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.