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Extreme cold warning
View on WikipediaAn extreme cold warning is a weather warning issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and by the United States' National Weather Service (NWS) to inform the public about active or imminent severe cold temperatures in their local region.
In April 2014, ECCC replaced the "wind chill warning" with an "extreme cold warning." In the older system a wind chill warning for Southern Ontario and Atlantic Canada was issued when the wind chill dropped to -35. Thus a temperature of −37 °C (−35 °F) with no winds would not require a warning be issued. Under the new system the extreme cold warning is issued based on either the temperature or the wind chill being a certain value for at least two hours. The values range from −30 °C (−22 °F) temperatures to −55 °C (−67 °F) in parts of the Arctic.[1][2]
On October 1, 2024, the NWS replaced the "wind chill warning" with the "extreme cold warning" for the same reasons. The standards governing issuance are set by local NWS offices. The step below an extreme cold warning is an "extreme cold watch," which itself replaced the "wind chill watch" in October 2024.[3][4]
Canada
[edit]This section needs to be updated. The reason given is: They have added color coded warnings in Canada. (January 2026) |
An extreme cold warning is issued when the following temperatures are expected to last for at least two hours, which different regions have different criteria for:[2]
- South-Central Ontario and Southwestern Ontario issued at −30 °C (−22 °F)
- Southeastern Ontario, the Southern Interior of British Columbia, the British Columbia Coast and Atlantic Canada (excluding Labrador) issued at −35 °C (−31 °F)
- Quebec (excluding northern Quebec) issued at −38 °C (−36 °F)
- Northern Ontario (excluding the far north), Central Interior of British Columbia and the Prairies (Alberta, southern Manitoba, southern Saskatchewan) issued at −40 °C (−40 °F)
- Far northern Ontario, northern Manitoba (excluding northeastern Manitoba), northern Saskatchewan, Northern Interior of British Columbia and Labrador issued at −45 °C (−49 °F)
- Northern Quebec (excluding Nunavik) issued at −48 °C (−54 °F)
- Yukon, Northwest Territories (excluding Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, Ulukhaktok), Baffin Island, and northeastern Manitoba issued at −50 °C (−58 °F)
- Nunavik issued at −52 °C (−62 °F)
- Northwest Territories (Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, Ulukhaktok only) and Nunavut (excluding Baffin Island) issued at −55 °C (−67 °F)
United States
[edit]In the United States an extreme cold warning was an experimental weather warning issued by the National Weather Service in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota.[5] The warning was issued if the temperature fell to −35 °F (−37 °C) or colder with a wind of less than 5 mph (8 km/h; 2 m/s).[6] It was an experimental advisory for when the air temperature was dangerously cold, but the wind was too little to warrant a Wind Chill Watch or Warning.[7]
The Extreme Cold Warning was used from January 10, 2011 to April 15, 2011.[8] It was discontinued beginning with the 2011-12 winter storm season. Only five Extreme Cold Warnings were issued in that period: one for Burleigh County, three for areas outside of the Bismarck–Mandan metropolitan area, and one for West Glacier, Montana[9]
In a partner webinar on October 30, 2018, the National Weather Service announced that based on survey feedback, the Extreme Cold Warning and the Wind Chill Warning will be consolidated into the Extreme Cold Warning, meaning that this product would once again be issued on a regular basis. This change was hinted to take effect sometime in 2021, accounting for NWS software upgrades.[10][11] This was confirmed at the AMS 2024 meeting in January 2024.
In October 2024, the NWS officially implemented these changes to its wind chill and hard freeze warnings, watches, and advisories (WWAs) as part of its "Hazard Simplification initiative." The goal of these WWA name changes, per the NWS, is "simplifying a suite of cold weather forecast products to improve messaging of winter hazards and provide better decision support." The changes include:[12][13]
Extreme Cold Consolidation and Renaming
- Wind Chill Watch was renamed to Extreme Cold Watch
- Wind Chill Warning was renamed to Extreme Cold Warning
- Wind Chill Advisory was renamed to Cold Weather Advisory
Freeze Consolidation
- Hard Freeze Watch was renamed to Freeze Watch
- Hard Freeze Warning was consolidated to Freeze Warning
Local NWS offices will still determine the standards governing the issuance of such WWAs.
Example of an Extreme Cold Warning (United States)
[edit]URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN 451 PM CST Mon Jan 20 2025 MNZ054-056>060-062-064>070-073>077-082>085-091>093-210700- /O.UPG.KMPX.CW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-250121T1800Z/ /O.EXA.KMPX.EC.W.0001.000000T0000Z-250121T1800Z/ Lac Qui Parle-Chippewa-Kandiyohi-Meeker-Wright-Hennepin-Ramsey- Yellow Medicine-Renville-McLeod-Sibley-Carver-Scott-Dakota- Redwood-Brown-Nicollet-Le Sueur-Rice-Watonwan-Blue Earth-Waseca- Steele-Martin-Faribault-Freeborn- Including the cities of Chanhassen, Waseca, Mankato, Fairmont, Victoria, Albert Lea, Olivia, St James, Hastings, Owatonna, Gaylord, Minneapolis, Granite Falls, Willmar, Monticello, Madison, Litchfield, Hutchinson, Montevideo, Faribault, Chaska, St Peter, Le Sueur, New Ulm, Redwood Falls, St Paul, Shakopee, and Blue Earth 451 PM CST Mon Jan 20 2025 ...EXTREME COLD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST TUESDAY... * WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 37 below. * WHERE...Portions of central, east central, south central, southwest, and west central Minnesota. * WHEN...Until noon CST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Persons are urged to stay indoors until conditions improve. If you must go outside, dress in layers. Several layers of clothes will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Gloves, a scarf, and a hat will keep you from losing your body heat. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside. && $$
Example of an Extreme Cold Warning (Canada)
[edit]3:15 PM CST Monday 3 February 2025 Extreme Cold Warning in effect for: City of Regina A multi-day episode of very cold wind chills is expected. Dangerous wind chill values of minus 40 or colder continue. Overnight low temperatures approaching minus 30 coupled with winds of 10 to 15 km/h will produce extremely cold wind chill values of minus 40 to minus 45 over the coming days. Snow moving in from the United States will likely push regions between the international border and the Transcanada Highway above extreme cold thresholds by Tuesday morning. However, areas to the north, in the vicinity of the Yellowhead, will continue with the bitterly cold temperatures into Wednesday morning. Temperatures are expected to moderate for most by Thursday. Extreme cold puts everyone at risk. Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter. Watch for cold related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes. Cover up. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill. If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside. Outdoor workers should take regularly scheduled breaks to warm up. Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frost bite and hypothermia. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to SKstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #SKStorm.
See also
[edit]- Severe weather terminology (United States)
- Extreme heat warning - the polar opposite of an Extreme cold warning
References
[edit]- ^ Environment Canada. "Wind Chill Hazzards". Archived from the original on December 17, 2005.
- ^ a b Extreme Cold Warning
- ^ Michael Musher, National Weather Service Public Affairs. "National Weather Service Revises Watch, Warning and Advisory Products". News Around NOAA. Archived from the original on 2024-10-07. Retrieved 2024-10-10.
- ^ Blaise Keller. "Beyond the Barometer: Changes coming to wind chill alerts". Wisconsin State Journal. Archived from the original on 2024-10-08. Retrieved 2024-10-10.
- ^ "National Weather Service Plans to Issue 'Extreme Cold Warnings'". Archived from the original on 2013-06-16.
- ^ "NWS To Experiment With 'Extreme Cold' Warnings". 10 January 2011.
- ^ "Experimental Cold Warning Feedback Needed".
- ^ "NWS Tests Extreme Cold Warning". Archived from the original on 2013-06-09.
- ^ "National Weather Service ditching 'extreme cold' warnings".
- ^ "National Weather Service Public Information Statement PNS18-11" (PDF). Retrieved February 1, 2019.
- ^ "Update on Winter Weather Initiatives Partner Webinar" (PDF). Retrieved February 1, 2019.
- ^ Michael Musher, National Weather Service Public Affairs. "National Weather Service Revises Watch, Warning and Advisory Products". News Around NOAA. Archived from the original on 2024-10-07. Retrieved 2024-10-10.
- ^ Blaise Keller. "Beyond the Barometer: Changes coming to wind chill alerts". Wisconsin State Journal. Archived from the original on 2024-10-08. Retrieved 2024-10-10.
Extreme cold warning
View on GrokipediaOverview
Definition
An extreme cold warning is a high-level weather alert issued by national meteorological services in North America, specifically Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and the United States National Weather Service (NWS), to notify the public of dangerously low temperatures or wind chill values that pose significant risks to life and property.[2][1] This warning signals conditions where extreme cold is expected to persist, typically for several hours, creating an imminent threat that demands immediate protective measures such as limiting outdoor exposure.[2][1] Key characteristics of an extreme cold warning include its focus on sustained hazardous cold that endangers human health through risks like hypothermia and frostbite, as well as potential damage to infrastructure such as pipes and transportation systems, and threats to wildlife.[1] Unlike routine weather updates, this alert is reserved for emergency-level events where the cold's severity warrants urgent action, often coordinated with public safety agencies to emphasize preparation and response.[2] This warning differs from milder cold-related alerts, such as wind chill advisories or cold weather statements, which provide informational guidance for less severe conditions without implying the same degree of emergency.[1] For instance, while an advisory might recommend caution for uncomfortable but non-life-threatening cold, an extreme cold warning indicates a critical situation requiring immediate protective actions such as staying indoors, limiting outdoor exposure, and seeking shelter if necessary.[7] Although primarily a North American term, analogous alert systems exist globally, such as cold wave warnings issued by meteorological services in Europe through platforms like MeteoAlarm or in Asia by agencies like India's India Meteorological Department, which address similar extreme cold hazards tailored to regional climates.[8]Purpose and Importance
Extreme cold warnings serve as critical alerts issued by meteorological agencies, such as Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and the United States National Weather Service (NWS), to notify the public, government entities, and emergency services of impending hazardous cold conditions that pose significant risks to human health and safety. The primary objective is to enable proactive measures that prevent fatalities, injuries, and societal disruptions, including the activation of warming shelters, issuance of travel advisories, and coordination of response efforts by local authorities. By disseminating timely information through broadcast media, mobile alerts, and official channels, these warnings facilitate community-level preparations that mitigate the impacts of severe cold snaps.[9][1] The importance of extreme cold warnings lies in their proven role in reducing cold-related health incidents, particularly hypothermia and frostbite, which are exacerbated in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, homeless individuals, children, and outdoor workers. In urban areas, where population density can strain resources like emergency shelters, warnings prompt the opening of warming centers to protect at-risk groups from exposure; in rural regions, they emphasize self-reliance measures like checking on isolated neighbors to address logistical challenges in remote access. These alerts are especially vital given that cold weather contributes to a disproportionate share of weather-related deaths compared to heat, with non-optimal cold temperatures linked to millions of global fatalities annually. A 2014 evaluation in North Dakota demonstrated the effectiveness of such warnings, finding that 86.6% of households received the alert and 78.9% took protective actions, such as layering clothing and preparing vehicles, thereby enhancing overall resilience.[10][11]00081-4/fulltext) On a broader scale, extreme cold warnings integrate seamlessly with national emergency management frameworks, such as Canada's public weather alert system and the U.S. Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, allowing for coordinated responses that amplify protective messaging and resource allocation. This integration supports emergency services in prioritizing aid to high-risk areas and informs public health campaigns on cold injury prevention. In the post-2010s era, the purpose of these warnings has evolved from primarily informational wind chill advisories to more actionable, comprehensive alerts—ECCC introduced the "extreme cold warning" in 2014 to better encompass temperature dangers beyond wind effects, while the NWS formalized extreme cold products in 2024 to address misconceptions and improve clarity amid varying climate patterns. This shift underscores their growing significance in adapting to regional cold events influenced by broader atmospheric variability.[2][7][12]History
In Canada
Extreme cold warnings in Canada trace their roots to earlier wind chill advisories issued by Environment Canada (now Environment and Climate Change Canada, or ECCC), which focused on wind-exacerbated cold risks dating back to at least the late 20th century. The wind chill index itself, developed in the 1940s by U.S. researchers Paul Siple and Charles Passel during Antarctic expeditions, was adopted internationally, including in Canada, to quantify apparent temperature under windy conditions.[13] A significant evolution occurred in April 2014, when ECCC replaced the wind chill warning system with the broader extreme cold warning to address dangers from low temperatures even in calm winds, better reflecting health risks like frostbite and hypothermia. This change, implemented on April 8, 2014, standardized alerts across regions while varying thresholds by local climate.[14][15] The update was prompted by research emphasizing cold stress beyond wind effects and aimed to improve public safety during severe winter events.In the United States
In the United States, the concept of wind chill emerged from mid-20th-century research, with the original index introduced in 1945 based on experiments in Antarctica. However, the National Weather Service (NWS) did not formally implement a standardized wind chill temperature (WCT) index until the 2001–2002 winter season, replacing an older formula to more accurately depict heat loss from exposed skin. This update facilitated the issuance of wind chill advisories and warnings by local NWS Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs), which began alerting the public to life-threatening cold conditions varying by region.[13] Prior to 2024, these were specifically termed wind chill watches, warnings, and advisories, triggered primarily by combined wind and temperature effects. Effective October 1, 2024, as part of the NWS Hazard Simplification initiative, these products were unified and renamed: wind chill warnings became extreme cold warnings, emphasizing risks from extreme low temperatures or wind chill values regardless of wind presence. This renaming sought to simplify messaging and enhance comprehension of cold hazards.[7]Criteria and Issuance
In Canada
In Canada, extreme cold warnings are issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) when forecasted temperatures or wind chill values meet or exceed regional thresholds, indicating a significant risk to human health from prolonged exposure. These warnings replaced the earlier wind chill warning system in April 2014 to better account for both wind-affected and calm conditions that could lead to frostbite or hypothermia.[15] The criteria vary by province and territory to reflect local climate norms, population density, and acclimatization levels, with thresholds generally higher (less severe) in southern, more populated regions and lower (more severe) in the north.[2] The issuance process begins with numerical weather prediction models, such as the Global Environmental Multiscale (GEM) model, which forecast conditions 24 to 48 hours in advance based on current atmospheric data.[16] Once thresholds are projected to be met for at least two consecutive hours, meteorologists at regional forecast offices evaluate the event's duration, intensity, and potential impacts before issuing the alert through ECCC's national weather warning system. Warnings are typically in effect for 12 to 72 hours or until conditions moderate, and they may be updated or extended as forecasts evolve. Key factors considered include not only temperature and wind speed but also the expected persistence of the cold and vulnerabilities in affected areas, such as urban centers with higher at-risk populations like the elderly or homeless.[2][16] Dissemination occurs rapidly via the Alert Ready system, Canada's National Public Alerting System, which broadcasts warnings to television, radio, wireless devices, and the ECCC website and mobile app. Alerts are issued in both English and French, often accompanied by color-coded risk maps on weather.gc.ca to highlight affected regions and severity levels, enabling targeted public response. Recent enhancements to the program, informed by climate change projections showing more variable winter extremes, have emphasized proactive forecasting to address increasing frequency of such events in transitional seasons.| Region | Threshold (Temperature or Wind Chill) | Duration Required |
|---|---|---|
| South-central/Southwestern Ontario | ≤ -30°C | ≥ 2 hours |
| Southeastern Ontario, Southern Interior/Coastal British Columbia, Atlantic Canada (except Labrador) | ≤ -35°C | ≥ 2 hours |
| Western/Central/Eastern Quebec | ≤ -38°C | ≥ 2 hours |
| Central Interior British Columbia, Northern Ontario, Prairies (Alberta, Southern Saskatchewan, Southern Manitoba) | ≤ -40°C | ≥ 2 hours |
| Far Northern Ontario, Northern Saskatchewan, Northern Manitoba, Northern British Columbia, Labrador | ≤ -45°C | ≥ 2 hours |
| Northern Quebec | ≤ -48°C | ≥ 2 hours |
| Yukon, Northwest Territories (except Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, Ulukhaktok), Baffin Island (except Igloolik, Hall Beach), Extreme Northeast Manitoba | ≤ -50°C | ≥ 2 hours |
| Nunavik | ≤ -52°C | ≥ 2 hours |
| Northwest Territories (Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, Ulukhaktok), Baffin Island (Igloolik, Hall Beach), Western/Northern Nunavut | ≤ -55°C | ≥ 2 hours |
