INDIANAPOLIS — With the polar vortex circling central Indiana, it's going to be so cold Wednesday and Thursday that you could get frost bite after being outside for just a few minutes.
That's right - a few minutes.
Frostbite occurs when a person is exposed temperatures so low that they cause the skin and other tissues to freeze. It can result in a loss of feeling and color in affected areas before you even realize how dangerous it's gotten.
Wind chills of 20 to 40 below zero are possible through Thursday morning. At those temperatures, it can take less than 10 minutes to develop frostbite on any exposed skin.
The National Weather Service shared a chart showing just how long it takes to develop frostbite during extreme temperatures.
For example, if it's 0 degrees outside with a wind speed of just 20 miles per hour, that means the wind chill temperature is -22. At those temps, you could develop frostbite in 30 minutes or less.
You can view the NWS chart below.
The CDC offers the following information on preventing and treating frostbite.
Frostbite Symptoms:
- Prickling, Stining Feeling
- Numbness
- Discolored Skin
- Hard or Waxy-Looking Skin
What To Do If You Get Frostbite
If you think you have frostbite, seek medical attention immediately. Frostbite is generally linked with hypothermia, which is a serious medical condition that requires emergency care.
If you have frostbite without any signs of hypothermia and no immediate medical care is available you should proceed as follows:
- Get into a warm room as soon as possible
- Unless absolutely necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes—this increases the damage.
- Immerse the affected area in warm—not hot—water (the temperature should be comfortable to the touch for unaffected parts of the body).
- Or, warm the affected area using body heat. For example, the heat of an armpit can be used to warm frostbitten fingers.
- Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all. This can cause more damage.
- Don’t use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Affected areas are numb and can be easily burned.
Who's At Risk for Frostbite?
- People with poor circulation
- Anyone not properly dressed for extremely cold temperatures
MORE WEATHER COVERAGE | Noblesville police ban crime during extreme cold temps|Closing schools because of the cold isn't an easy decision; here's how it's made | IACS expects more calls for help as the cold weather moves in | Here are the warming centers across central Indiana | Prepare your vehicle for the sub zero temps | Cold weather highlights need for more shelter space | It's illegal to keep your pets outside in the cold in Indy
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As an expert in meteorology and extreme weather conditions, I can attest to the severity of the polar vortex and its potential impact on central Indiana, as described in the provided article. My extensive knowledge in climatology and atmospheric science allows me to shed light on the key concepts and factors mentioned in the text.
The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding the Earth's poles. In this case, it is circling central Indiana, bringing frigid temperatures to the region. The mention of wind chills reaching 20 to 40 below zero is indicative of the wind chill factor, which is the perceived temperature on exposed skin due to the combination of actual air temperature and wind speed.
Frostbite, a serious medical condition resulting from exposure to extremely low temperatures, is a major concern during such weather events. The article correctly highlights that frostbite occurs when the skin and other tissues freeze, leading to a loss of feeling and color in affected areas. The National Weather Service (NWS) provides a chart illustrating the time it takes to develop frostbite at different temperature and wind speed combinations. This information is crucial for public awareness and safety.
The symptoms of frostbite, including a prickling or stinging feeling, numbness, and discolored or hard-looking skin, are accurately described in the article. The reference to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) underscores the importance of reliable sources in disseminating information on preventing and treating frostbite.
The article provides clear guidelines on what to do if someone suspects they have frostbite, emphasizing the need for immediate medical attention. The advice to avoid walking on frostbitten areas, to warm the affected region with caution, and to refrain from using certain heat sources aligns with established medical recommendations for treating frostbite.
Furthermore, the article identifies individuals at higher risk for frostbite, such as those with poor circulation and those not adequately dressed for extremely cold temperatures. This insight is crucial for targeted public health messaging and intervention strategies.
In summary, the information presented in the article reflects a comprehensive understanding of the meteorological conditions, the science behind frostbite, and the appropriate actions for prevention and treatment. The inclusion of expert advice and reliable sources enhances the credibility of the content, ensuring that readers are well-informed and better equipped to navigate the challenges posed by extreme cold weather.
