Weather
Wisconsin Winter Weather Awareness Week Oct 25-31: Cold Turns Dangerous
Madison, WI – Could a short walk to work, a wait at a bus stop or a few minutes clearing snow be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, October 26, Wisconsin res
By Grant Holloway · 2026-10-26T07:06:45.552Z
Madison, WI – Could a short walk to work, a wait at a bus stop or a few minutes clearing snow be enough to cause frostbite? As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Monday, October 26, Wisconsin residents are being reminded that extreme cold 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 temperature and wind speed are combined. Strong winds accelerate 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? At wind chills near 20 degrees below zero, exposed skin may develop frostbite in approximately 30 minutes, according to NWS guidance. At substantially lower wind chills, frostbite can develop in 10 minutes or less.
These estimates vary with conditions and individual exposure.
Frostbite symptoms 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 forecasts.
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 wind can cause them to cool faster.
How Can Wisconsin 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. Limit exposure: Take warming breaks and avoid unnecessary time outdoors during extreme cold warnings. Prepare 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 operate generators, grills or outdoor fuel burning heaters inside homes or garages because of deadly carbon monoxide risks.
Why It Matters Across Wisconsin From Milwaukee and Milwaukee County to Madison, Green Bay, Appleton, Oshkosh, Wausau, Eau Claire, La Crosse and Superior, dangerous wind chills can affect communities statewide.
Northern Wisconsin, including Vilas, Oneida and Douglas counties, can experience prolonged bitter cold during Arctic outbreaks. Communities near Lake Superior, including Superior and Ashland, also face exposure to strong winter winds.
Along Lake Michigan, Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha and Sheboygan residents may encounter gusty conditions that increase heat loss from exposed skin.
In central Wisconsin, open farmland and rural roads can leave outdoor workers and stranded motorists vulnerable.
Travelers along Interstate 94, Interstate 90, Interstate 39 and U.S. Highway 41 should keep winter emergency supplies available.
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.