The National Weather Service (NWS) issued an extreme cold watch for all of Iowa on Sunday afternoon, beginning midnight Tuesday until noon.
An extreme cold watch is issued when wind chills are expected to reach -30 F or lower across Iowa within two to three days. Wind chills could plummet to 25 to 35 degrees below zero, posing a risk of hypothermia or frostbite in just 10 minutes on exposed skin.
In Ames, the NWS forecasts wind chills to remain below zero degrees until Friday at 3 p.m. as of Sunday evening.
Frostbite is a significant risk and can develop quickly, especially when walking long distances across campus.
According to the NWS, “Areas most prone to frostbite are uncovered skin and the extremities, such as hands and feet. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it.”
Extreme cold can also cause vehicle malfunctions and icy road conditions.
Some precautions from the NWS include:
- Dress in multiple layers, including a hat, face covering and gloves. Cover all exposed skin to avoid frostbite.
- Limit outside travel if possible, and use caution.
- Prepare vehicles with blankets, water, snacks, emergency supplies, etc.
- Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
Previous reporting from the Daily offers more in-depth insight into staying warm and safe during extreme weather.
More dangerously cold weather will be expected through the week, and the wind chill will remain below zero until Friday. Temperatures are forecasted to stay below and in the teens until Sunday. The NWS states additional cold weather warnings may be “likely this week beyond Tuesday.”
Stay updated with forecasts and take necessary precautions to avoid cold-related illnesses. For the latest updates, visit the National Weather Service website.
