Wichita under an extreme cold warning through Thursday. Here’s how to dress & stay warm
The Wichita area is under an extreme cold warning through noon on Thursday, Feb. 20. So if you were planning on getting out of the house before then, be prepared.
The area could break an 87-year-old record Tuesday, with the forecasted high only reaching 6 degrees. According to the National Weather Service’s forecast, the low Tuesday evening is expected to be negative 4 degrees.
While snow is expected to last through Tuesday night, that should be the last snowfall of the week. But the cold temperatures are expected to stay.
The three-day-long extreme cold warning is due to dangerously cold wind chills expected to get as low as 15 to 25 degrees below zero. Long exposure to these temperatures could lead to frostbite, the warning from the NWS reads.
So, what are the dangers of going out in the cold? How should you stay safe? Here’s what to know.
Dangers of cold temperatures
When temperatures reach below zero degrees Fahrenheit, there is a risk of frostbite when exposed to air that’s around the negative 25 mark for 15 minutes, the National Weather Service’s website reads.
Frostbite is when skin and the underlying tissue begins to freeze, causing redness, numbness, pain and blistering, according to MayoClinic.
Hypothermia can occur in warmer temperatures then frostbite does depending on the circumstance. According to the National Weather Service, you can even catch hypothermia in temperatures as warm 50 degrees.
Hypothermia is when someone’s inner body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, causing a weak pulse, shivering, drowsiness, memory loss, slow breathing, slurred speech and more.
How to stay safe in the cold
The best way to avoid cold-related illnesses is to stay inside in the heat. But if you do have to go outside, make sure to dress warm.
Here are some tips on how to dress, from the American Academy of Dermatology Association:
- Dress in three loose layers: first a synthetic material, like nylon, then an insulating material, like cotton or fleece, and then a waterproof/windproof layer.
- Wear two pairs of socks.
- Wear waterproof boots that cover your ankles.
- Wear a wool or fleece hat that covers your head and ears.
- Wear insulated gloves.
They also say to stay hydrated, because dehydration can lead to a heightened risk of frostbite.
You should also seek medical attention as soon as possible if you are experiencing symptoms of frostbite or hypothermia.
This story was originally published February 18, 2025 at 3:15 PM.
