Milwaukee will kick off this week with the most extreme cold of the winter so far.
During the coldest periods, wind chill is forecast to range between -15 and -30 degrees. That’s well beyond the threshold for developing frostbite and other adverse health symptoms from cold-weather exposure.
Here’s how to stay safe if you’re outside in Milwaukee in the next few days.
More: Brace yourself for Milwaukee temperatures dipping below zero for stretch of next week
Will it be safe to go outside in Milwaukee this week?
People should avoid being outside for extended periods of time, particularly when the weather is coldest from Sunday night into Monday morning and Monday night into Tuesday morning, said J.J. Wood, meteorologist for the Milwaukee/Sullivan National Weather Service.
Frostbite can develop within 15 minutes when wind chills approach -25 degrees, according to NWS. But even in temperatures between 13 and 31 degrees, the American Red Cross recommends taking indoor breaks every half hour, and in wind chills below 13 degrees, staying indoors to minimize frostbite risk.
If you must be outside, Wood recommended covering up and layering as much as possible.
“Anything that you can do to cover that exposed skin is great, especially your face, hands and feet. Those extremities tend to get frostbite easily,” Wood said.
What are frostbite symptoms?
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of frostbite include:
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Cold, hard, waxy-looking skin
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Clumsiness due to joint stiffness
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Blistering after rewarming
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Patches of red, white, blue, gray, purple or brown skin, though changes in skin color may be harder to see on brown or Black skin
What to do if you develop frostbite
You should seek emergency medical care if you’re experiencing intense shivering and pain even after rewarming, slurred speech, drowsiness and trouble walking, according to the Mayo Clinic.
While you wait for medical care, you can take the following steps:
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Get out of the cold and remove wet clothing.
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Wrap up in a warm blanket until help arrives
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Protect the injured area from further damage
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Don’t walk on frostbitten feet or toes if possible
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Take a pain reliever if needed
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Drink a warm, nonalcoholic beverage if possible
Warming shelters in Milwaukee
You can find a list of free, overnight warming shelters in Milwaukee here.
Wisconsin weather radar
More: How do Wisconsin meteorologists calculate wind chill, and what does it mean?
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Is it safe to go outside in Milwaukee in sub-zero temperatures?
