Winter brings plenty of outdoor fun, but it’s crucial to know when it’s time to head inside and warm up. So, how cold is too cold to be outside?
Instead of guessing, you can rely on weather information like wind chill to determine how safe it is to be in the cold. In this guide, we’ll break down when it’s too cold to be outside and how to interpret different weather readings. This information can prepare you for frigid temperatures.
- What Is Considered Cold Weather?
- When Is It Too Cold To Go Outside?
- How Long Can You Be Outside In Negative-Degree Weather?
Get the Tempest Weather System: A personal weather station that gives you accurate local weather information, including the temperature, the feels-like temperature, and wind speed.
What Is Considered Cold Weather?
While you may never experience the coldest place on Earth, the definition of “cold weather” can vary based on where you live. In the southern United States, freezing temperatures (32°F) might feel unbearable, while in the northern United States, “cold” often refers to temperatures below 20°F.
However, the actual temperature doesn’t tell the whole story. Wind chill – a combination of wind speed and air temperature – and feels-like temperature are better indicators of how cold it really feels outside.
When Is It Too Cold To Go Outside?
Heading outside in cold weather? Make sure you bundle up and cover any exposed skin. This simple step helps you avoid the two biggest health risks in freezing temperatures: frostbite and hypothermia.
According to the Mayo Clinic, frostbite occurs when skin and underlying tissue freeze, potentially causing permanent damage. Common symptoms include numbness and changing skin color. Frostbite can start developing in as little as 30 minutes at a wind chill of 36°F. Once the wind chill drops below -20°F, it’s best to stay indoors altogether.
Hypothermia happens when your internal body temperature drops below 95°F, leaving your body unable to produce enough heat. It’s caused by prolonged exposure to cold weather or water and is considered a medical emergency. Early signs of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, and a weak pulse.
Learn why weather fronts affect the temperature outside.
How Long Can You Be Outside In Negative-Degree Weather?
What cold temperature is dangerous for humans? When the temperatures fall below 50°F, you should wear at least a coat to stay warm. Once the temperature dips below-freezing, it’s best to wear a hat, gloves, and other coverings to keep your skin safe, especially if the wind speed is high. If you start noticing tingling or numbness on your skin, you need to warm up immediately to avoid frostbite.
If you are wondering, “When is it too cold to walk outside?” then you should refer to a frostbite chart that takes the temperature and wind speed into consideration for how long you should be outside. For example, if you want to be outside when it’s 0°F and there’s a 20mph wind, then you should stay outside for less than 23 minutes; that’s when frostbite can start.
Now that you know how cold is too cold to walk outside, discover when it’s too hot to be outside.
Get Accurate Local Temperature Readings With The Tempest Weather System
Outdoor winter activities like skiing, sledding, and ice skating are fun, but staying safe in the cold is essential. Always wear proper gear to keep warm, and pack your car with essential survival equipment in case you get stranded in freezing weather.
Want to feel prepared for the cold? The Tempest Weather System provides precise, real-time weather data, including temperature and wind speed, straight to your smartphone. With this personal weather station, you’ll always know when it’s safe to venture outside – and when it’s time to head back indoors.