If you live around here, you know how cold it gets—December through April can bring dangerously low temperatures. This winter, the National Weather Service (NWS) has made some key changes to its cold weather alerts that could directly impact how we prepare.
From now on, the familiar wind chill watches, warnings, and advisories will be replaced with extreme cold watches, warnings, and advisories. The idea behind this change is simple: cold weather can be dangerous, whether the wind is blowing or not. Previously, temperatures might have dipped to -25 or even -30, but without wind, an alert wouldn’t always be triggered. That’s no longer the case.
The new extreme cold alerts will let you know when cold air itself—whether it’s with or without wind—poses a serious threat. A watch will mean dangerously cold air is possible, while a warning will be issued when it’s expected.
Additionally, hard freeze watches and warnings are now simplified to freeze watches and warnings, but the bottom line stays the same: these alerts will help protect both people and property from the freezing temps that we know are coming.
As the weather turns colder, these changes are meant to keep everyone safer by clearly communicating when cold weather becomes a danger. Keep an eye on the forecast this winter so you’re ready when these alerts hit, and be sure to bundle up—even if the wind isn’t howling!