Do you know what a “wind chill watch” is or what a “severe frost warning” means? If not, you are not alone. The National Weather Service (NWS) announced earlier this year that it would change the way it talks about extreme cold.

These changes took effect October 1 and may begin to appear in the forecast as the days get shorter and colder.

“The National Weather Service is in the process of consolidating some of its products,” says Christine Aiena, a meteorologist with the NWS in Wilmington, Ohio. “They are simplifying their cold weather product line, with the goal of improving hazard messaging and providing better decision-making services.”

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National Weather Service

What changes

Consolidation and name change Grand Froid

• The Wind Chill watch is now an extreme cold watch
• Wind Chill Warning is now an Extreme Cold Warning
• Wind Chill Advisory is now a Cold Weather Advisory

Freeze consolidation

• Hard Freeze Watch is now a Freeze Watch
• Hard Freeze Warning is now a Freeze Warning

“The new suite of cold products from the NWS will allow the NWS to communicate that cold is dangerous with or without wind. Wind chill will not go away, although the emphasis will be on ‘cold is cold’ for public safety” , writes the agency in an explanatory press release. release.

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In short, an extreme cold watch indicates that conditions could become severe, so people should pay attention to the weather.

An extreme cold warning means dangerously cold air is expected and you should take precautions if you must be outdoors (wear layers, cover any exposed skin, and limit time spent outdoors) because weather conditions could cause frostbite or hypothermia.

“We want the public to worry about the ambient temperature,” says Aiena. “Cold is cold whether there is wind or not. If you see that there is an extreme cold watch, that means there will be dangerously cold air possible. With or without wind, It doesn’t matter, it will be the same.” it has an impact on you.

NWS advisories will also no longer differentiate between a freeze and a hard freeze. You will now see a Freeze Warning or Freeze Watch based on the projected temperatures.

“The goal is, basically, no matter how cold we’re going to get, if it’s going to freeze, it’s going to freeze,” Aiena says. “Ultimately, we don’t want to confuse people between hard gel and gel. We just want to communicate, “Hey, there’s a risk your plants will freeze or the pipes will burst.” “

Frost notice: The minimum shelter temperature should be 33°F to 36°F during the locally defined growing season, on nights with light winds and clear skies.

Freeze the watch: Conditions are favorable for a frost event to meet or exceed frost warning criteria within the next 12 to 48 hours during the locally defined growing season.

Frost Warning: The minimum shelter temperature should be 32°F or lower during the locally defined growing season.

Aiena says the NWS encourages people to prepare now for severe weather.

“Be prepared for very cold temperatures, especially if there is a risk of a power outage. Make sure you have supplies in stock or, more importantly, if you have a vehicle, make sure you have groceries in your vehicle,” she adds. “Then, when the cold weather hits and you need to leave your house, be sure to layer clothes. It’s best to layer several layers of loose-fitting clothing instead of wearing one thick layer. Be sure to cover exposed skin .”