High Winds Added to Polar Front Make for Dangerous Cold
As we're poised to see the coldest weather of the past two years beginning tonight, an added wrinkle of gusty winds will drive wind chills well below zero.
The National Weather Service has upped the ante (or would it be lowered?) on the coming downturn in temperatures.
A wind advisory has been issued for the area beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday and continuing overnight into Sunday. Winds are expected to increase as a pocket of arctic air will reach us, combining to create dangerously low wind chills.
As the sun sets on Saturday, winds are expected to increase to 25 to 30 mph sustained, with gusts expected to reach as high as 45 to 50 mph, and wind chills flirting with 30 degrees below zero.
While some can argue it's January in Wisconsin, it's also easy to forget (as we do every first snowfall) how winter weather can impact you. In this case, the combination of low temperatures and high winds, hypothermia and frostbite are real concerns. In addition, if you have a high profile vehicle, the wind gusts can create hazardous driving conditions, so keep your hands firmly on the wheel.
Caledonia Retiree
6:30 pm on Saturday, January 19, 2013
We haven't had such low temperatures combined with such high winds for years. I'm sure we are going to be reading stories in the Patch about frostbite and perhaps even death if people just ignore this dangerous situation. (Not to mention a lot of frozen pipes)
michelle
9:19 pm on Saturday, January 19, 2013
I don't like the cold at all!
Nuitari
12:44 pm on Sunday, January 20, 2013
So should I wear a coat if I go outside?
JustMe
8:16 pm on Sunday, January 20, 2013
Maybe they'll close the schools? The media will have a field day with that.
Craig
8:21 pm on Sunday, January 20, 2013
School is closed on Monday.
MLK day.