This article explains the science behind the newly issued Cold Weather Advisory for southeast Wisconsin. It covers why the wind chills are so dangerous and how residents can protect themselves, pets, and property during this short but intense blast of Arctic air.
Drawing on decades of atmospheric research and public safety practice, we’ll unpack what these temperatures really mean for your body and your community. Conditions will shift quickly in the days ahead.
Cold Weather Advisory: Who Is Affected and When?
A Cold Weather Advisory is issued when conditions are cold enough to pose a genuine health risk, especially from frostbite and hypothermia. This weekend’s event is a textbook case of a brief but hazardous Arctic outbreak.
Counties Under Advisory and Timing
The advisory covers a broad swath of southeast Wisconsin. The timing varies slightly by location:
- Until Sunday at 10 a.m.: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Jefferson, Washington, Ozaukee, Dodge, Fond du Lac, and Sheboygan counties.
- From 6 p.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday: Walworth, Racine, and Kenosha counties.
The staggered timing reflects differences in when the coldest air arrives and how long it lingers in each area. These are influenced by elevation, proximity to Lake Michigan, and local wind patterns.
Understanding Wind Chill and Why It’s So Dangerous
Wind chill is not a “real” temperature you can read on a thermometer. It is a measure of how quickly your body loses heat to the environment, combining actual air temperature with wind speed.
Wind Chill Values Across the Region
This weekend, the combination of Arctic air and gusty winds will create extreme wind chills:
- Northern and northwestern counties: Wind chills as low as -30°F.
- Areas closer to Milwaukee: Wind chills near -20°F.
At these values, the body’s natural defenses are overwhelmed. Heat is stripped away from exposed skin far faster than under calm conditions.
Frostbite and Hypothermia Risk
With wind chills in the -20°F to -30°F range, frostbite can develop on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. In some individuals—especially the very young, elderly, or those with circulatory issues—damage can occur even more quickly.
Warning signs include:
- Frostbite: Numbness, pale or waxy skin, tingling or stinging, followed by hard or “wooden” feeling skin.
- Hypothermia: Uncontrollable shivering, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness, and lack of coordination.
Even short trips outside—walking the dog, waiting for a bus, or clearing the driveway—require proper protection during this advisory period.
Sunday’s Weather: Brief “Warm-Up,” Still Hazardous
Despite a slight rebound in air temperature on Sunday afternoon, conditions will remain dangerous for unprotected skin.
Temperatures and Wind Chills on Sunday
Forecast highlights for Sunday include:
- High temperature near 8°F in Milwaukee, with similar single digits across much of the region.
- Wind chills staying below zero all day, keeping it feeling far colder than the thermometer suggests.
Protecting People, Pets, and Homes
During episodes of extreme cold, simple preventive actions significantly reduce risk of injury and infrastructure damage.
Safety Recommendations for the Cold Spell
Key steps residents are urged to take include:
- Limit exposure: Keep outdoor trips brief and dress in layers—insulating base layers, windproof outer layers, hat, gloves or mittens, and face protection.
- Protect pets: Bring pets indoors and limit time outside. If they must go out, keep it short and provide a warm resting area.
- Check on others: Look in on neighbors, especially older adults, people living alone, and those with limited mobility or resources.
- Verify heating systems: Ensure furnaces and space heaters are functioning properly. Keep space heaters away from flammable materials and never use outdoor heating devices indoors.
- Prepare vehicles: If travel is necessary, carry blankets, gloves, and a small emergency kit in case you become stranded.
Weather Pattern: Fast-Moving Arctic Air, Fast Rebound
The current cold spell is the leading edge of an Arctic air mass sliding south behind a sharp cold front. This is a familiar pattern in midwinter across the Upper Midwest.
Flurries Now, Much Milder Midweek
As the cold front exits, some lingering flurries are possible.
The dominant story is the temperature roller coaster ahead:
- Monday: Highs climbing into the 20s.
- Tuesday: Highs reaching the 30s.
- Wednesday: Temperatures possibly topping out in the 40s.
This rapid moderation reflects a shift in the upper-level jet stream.
Milder Pacific air will replace the shallow Arctic air mass currently in place.
Here is the source article for this story: Cold Weather Advisory issued for all of SE Wisconsin with wind chills below zero