The coldest stretch of the year in the Green Bay area will begin on Saturday and continue through Wednesday, with “dangerously cold” wind chills, according to the National Weather Service Green Bay.
After a high of 38 on Friday, temperatures will drop Saturday, with a high of 19 and a minus-5 wind chill Saturday night. In fact, the high on Monday isn’t expected to get above zero. The forecast calls for a high of only 3 on Sunday, minus-1 on Monday, 1 on Tuesday before reaching 16 on Wednesday.
The wind chills will be extremely cold, as low as 28 below zero early Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service Green Bay. On average, winds will mainly peak in the afternoon and be at an average of 10-15 mph, with wind gusts picking up to 20-25 mph.
What are wind chill temperatures?
Wind chill temperatures are how cold people and animals feel when they are outside. It’s based on the heat loss from exposed skin caused by wind and cold. It will already be cold, but the added wind makes it feel a lot colder than what it is.
Where is this ‘dangerous cold’ coming from?
Phil Kurimski, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service Green Bay, said an arctic air mass is plunging south, cause of the drop in temperature. An artic air mass has very cold and dry air.
Will this be the last ‘dangerously cold’ stretch of the year for Green Bay?
Kurmiski told the Press-Gazette that other artic outbursts are likely to occur again in the winter season. While this arctic stretch isn’t a record low, it’ll still be extremely cold, with more to arrive later.
“You can certainly get cold arctic outbreaks in different times of the year, you can get them in February and then also in March,” he said. “Although those are less common, February is certainly on the table for additional cold arctic plunges.”
Is it dangerous to be outside during the wind chills?
The National Weather Service said frostbite can occur in the span of 20 minutes with wind chills of minus-15 to minus-25. This occurs when your skin is exposed to freezing temperatures for a prolonged period.
It is recommended for people to limit time outdoors, and to wear layers while keeping all skin covered. If you have pets, bring them inside as well. You should also check on elderly friends and family who are susceptible to the cold.
The National Weather Service also recommends for those traveling to keep jumper cables and a winter survival kit in case something were to happen to your car.
Green Bay weather radar
Rashad Alexander can be contacted at ralexander@gannett.com and 920-431-8214.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Dangerous wind chills expected for Green Bay starting Saturday