New Winter Weather Alerts are Being Issued by the NWS
Written by Meteorologist Mary Wasson
Last updated 2/10/2025, 11:56:24 PM
This winter, you may have noticed new winter weather alerts issued by the National Weather Service. To simplify their messaging, the National Weather Service has adopted the phrase “Cold IS Cold.” This means that cold weather can be deadly, regardless of whether there is wind, addressing the misconception that extreme cold only occurs with lower temperatures and high winds. It is important to note that dangerously cold weather can accompany or follow wintry precipitation, and the seriousness of the cold may be overlooked amid the focus on snow or ice.
This rebranding and consolidation of alerts will simplify the forecasting process nationwide by unifying terminology across the United States, streamlining messaging with a single product type for Extreme Cold and Wind Chill, and providing clearer maps for Watches, Warnings, and Advisories.
Extreme Cold Consolidation and Renaming
- Wind Chill Watches will be renamed to Extreme Cold Watch
- Wind Chill Warnings will be renamed to an Extreme Cold Warning
- Wind Chill Advisory will be renamed a Cold Weather Advisory
Freeze Consolidation
- Hard Freeze Watches will be renamed to Freeze Watch
- Hard Freeze Warnings will be consolidated into a Freeze Warning
The consolidation of NWS Freeze and Hard Freeze products into a single, streamlined Freeze Watch/Warning with enhanced language for hard freeze conditions as necessary will simplify and improve messaging and service delivery. The NWS Frost/Freeze services specifically address vegetation and agriculture, considering the growing season, impacts, and recommended precautionary/preparedness actions.
This is a serious concern, as over 1,500 people died in the United States due to cold and winter weather between 2009 and 2019. This figure represents a 93 percent increase compared to the previous decade.
People exposed to extreme cold are at risk for frostbite and can suffer from hypothermia within minutes. Hypothermia is a condition in which the body's core temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. This can occur when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, typically due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures or immersion in cold water.
Hypothermia can be mild, moderate, or severe. Symptoms may include:
- Shivering (which may stop as the body temperature drops)
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Slowed heart rate and breathing
- Loss of coordination
- Drowsiness
- Bluish skin
