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WAUSAU, Wis. (WXCO) – Brutal cold temperatures spill in for an extended period of time, bringing dangerous wind chill values with them.
After months of record-breaking warm temperatures now we are face to face with a harsh cold snap, all on the heels of a serious winter storm.
The snowstorm painted Winter Storm Warnings across the state on Friday, closing schools and businesses as over a foot fell in some places. With winds gusting up to 55mph, it prompted the first Blizzard Warnings in Green Bay and Ashland.
Now, the true cold is taking over. Typically, the very frigid air in the Arctic is trapped inside a swirl of winds called the polar vortex, which is surrounded by a band called the polar jet stream. If the polar vortex gets disrupted, the jet stream becomes weak and wavy and can carry cold air much further south than usual.
Many experts believe climate change is likely playing a role. Scientific American spoke with Judah Cohen who says, “Climate change in the Arctic is directly disrupting the polar vortex. As this winter’s melting sea ice near Scandinavia coupled with high snowfall near Siberia has set up a thermal contrast”, which he says drove the polar jet stream into waves.
The Arctic Oscillation did shift into a negative phase to kick 2024 off, which allowed the polar jet stream to dip and sent snow storms our way. With a tip in that direction, the polar air was inching closer.
Now, behind the storm, the cold has spilled in. We are facing Wind Chill Advisories that are in effect for most of the state until Wednesday morning. As temperatures plummet their lowest so far this season on Monday night, just a 10mph wind will make it feel like near -30 to -40 degrees in some places. Frostbite can occur within as little as 10 to 20 minutes in those conditions.
It’s important to layer up, bundle up and limit your time outdoors.
Cover all exposed skin and beware of symptoms of hypothermia, it can sneak up fast.
We aren’t the only ones cold. Just because our pets have fur, it doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling. Experts recommend using dog booties for your pets when temps drop this low.
Homeowners are also taking extra steps to safeguard their pipes from freezing. When temperatures plummet below zero, keep your house at 55 degrees or warmer. Open cupboard doors where pipes are exposed, to allow more heat to surround them. Experts also suggest using heated electric tape for exposed pipes or insulation covers for outdoor spigots. Leaving a small amount of water running in unoccupied spaces can also prevent freezing. If you suspect frozen pipes, turn off the water at the main valve and seek professional assistance. Even if pipes don’t burst initially, repeated freeze and thaw cycles can weaken them.
We do have warmer days ahead, but they won’t arrive until next week. However, NOAA has issued an extended outlook for temperatures returning to above normal as we wrap up January.
