National Weather Service forecasters in Milwaukee reaffirmed their warning for extremely cold windchill conditions overnight by extending the highest category warning to areas previously considered for a lesser advisory. As a result, Sheboygan County remains under an Extreme Cold Warning from Midnight tonight until noon on Tuesday. Such warnings now extend from all of Wisconsin and the UP of Michigan westward through most of Minnesota and portions of the Dakotas and Montana.
NWS Graphic
Windchill readings already hovering near 20 below zero by mid-afternoon Monday are expected to reach between 30 and 35 degrees below zero overnight as northwest winds near 15 mph combine with actual temperatures reaching near 13 below zero over much of the county. Actual temperatures aren’t expected to exceed zero until early morning Wednesday, with wind chills finally breaking the zero mark by noon.
NWS Graphic
Given tonight’s conditions, the main concern centers on proper protection when outdoors, as frostbite can occur in as little as 15-25 minutes with such wind chills. Insufficient protection can cause loss of core body heat – or hypothermia – a life-threatening condition if not addressed promptly.
The public is being advised to dress in several layers top-to-bottom, covering all exposed areas, limit time outdoors for both people and pets, and to bring even outdoor pets indoors. Homes with plumbing that’s vulnerable to freezing can gain some protection by running faucets at a slow drip to keep the water moving and less likely to freeze up. Anyone with travel plans should carry extra blankets, a safety kit, and let someone know your plans before heading out.
Comments