Weather
Washington Winter Weather Awareness Week Oct 25-31: Frostbite in Minutes?
Olympia, WA – Could a short walk to work, a wait at a Seattle bus stop or a few minutes outdoors in the Cascades be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, Octobe
By Claire Benton · 2026-10-26T10:35:12.034Z
Olympia, WA – Could a short walk to work, a wait at a Seattle bus stop or a few minutes outdoors in the Cascades be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, October 26, Washington residents are being reminded that freezing temperatures and strong winds can make outdoor exposure dangerous much faster than expected.
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 heat loss from the body, 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? NWS guidance indicates exposed skin may develop frostbite in approximately 30 minutes at wind chills near 20 degrees below zero. At substantially lower wind chills, frostbite can develop in 10 minutes or less.
These are approximate estimates that depend on conditions and individual exposure.
Frostbite warning signs include numbness and pale or waxy looking skin. Hypothermia can cause 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 dangerously cold conditions are possible. Residents should prepare and monitor forecast updates.
An Extreme Cold Warning means dangerously cold conditions are expected or occurring. Residents should limit outdoor exposure and take protective precautions.
Wind chill does not make cars, pipes or other objects colder than the actual air temperature, although strong winds can cause them to cool toward that temperature faster.
How Can Washington Residents Stay Safe? Before extreme cold arrives:
Cover exposed skin: Wear insulated gloves, hats, scarves, face coverings 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 supplies: Keep blankets, medications, food, water, flashlights and charged phones available. Stock vehicles: Carry extra clothing, blankets, a phone charger, flashlight and winter emergency kit. Never operate generators, grills or outdoor fuel burning heaters inside homes or garages because of deadly carbon monoxide risks.
Why It Matters Across Washington From Seattle and King County to Tacoma, Bellevue, Everett, Olympia, Spokane, Wenatchee, Yakima, Ellensburg, Tri Cities, Walla Walla and Bellingham, dangerous wind chills can affect communities across the state.
Eastern Washington, including Spokane, Lincoln, Stevens and Okanogan counties, can experience prolonged bitter temperatures during Arctic outbreaks.
The Cascade Mountains, including areas near Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass and White Pass, can experience powerful winds and extreme cold at higher elevations.
Along the Columbia River Gorge, strong easterly winds can increase heat loss from exposed skin, particularly near Stevenson and nearby communities.
Across the Columbia Basin, exposed agricultural land and highways can leave outdoor workers and stranded motorists vulnerable during severe cold.
In the Seattle metropolitan area, commuters waiting for King County Metro buses, Sound Transit trains or ferries may face prolonged exposure during unusually cold weather.
Travelers along Interstate 90, Interstate 5, Interstate 82 and U.S. Highway 2 should keep winter emergency supplies available in case of breakdowns.
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.