New Cold Weather Warnings Eliminates Wind Chill Headlines

WAUSAU, Wis. (WXCO) – Some of the coldest temperatures are sneaking into the state this weekend, here’s what the National Weather Service changed.

The National Weather Service changed and simplified the wording of wind chill events. They have been eliminated and will now go by Cold Weather Alerts.

For example, what was once know as wind chill watches will now be called an ‘Extreme Cold Watch’. While a wind chill warning, will now go by ‘Extreme Cold Warnings’.

“What would happen in the old structure was you could have the winds usher in cold air, with wind chill headlines out. But then the winds end and then some of the coldest temps happen in the wake of that and there would be no headlines from us here in the Weather Service, even though it would still be dangerous out,” explains Matt Freidlien at the National Weather Service. “Cold is cold here in the approach to simplification.”

• Extreme Cold Warning: Take Action! An Extreme Cold Warning is issued when dangerously cold air temperatures or wind chill values are expected or occurring. If you are in an area with an Extreme Cold Warning, avoid going outside. If you have to go outside, dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and make sure at least one other person knows your whereabouts. Update them when you arrive safely at your destination. Because a wind chill OR temperature of -30ºF is imminent in the next 12 to 36 hours.

• Extreme Cold Watch: Be Prepared. An Extreme Cold Watch is issued when dangerously cold air temperatures or wind chill values are possible. As with a Warning, adjust your plans to avoid being outside during the coldest parts of the day. Make sure your car has at least half a tank of gas, and update your winter survival kit. This means a wind chill OR temperature of -30ºF is possible in the next 24 to 72 hours.

• Cold Weather Advisory: Be Aware. A Cold Weather Advisory is issued when seasonably cold air temperatures or wind chill values, but not extremely cold values, are expected or occurring. Be sure you and your loved ones dress appropriately and cover exposed skin when venturing outdoors. This will be issued when a wind chill OR temperature of -20ºF happens in the next 12 to 24 hours.

In the Northwoods and Central Wisconsin, the thresholds are -25ºF or colder for an advisory and -35ºF or colder for an Extreme Cold watch or warning.