GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) – There will be no wind chill warnings in Wisconsin or elsewhere in the U.S. this winter. There will also be no wind chill advisories or watches.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has retired these terms in favor of simplified messaging to make it clear that winter can be dangerously cold with or without wind.

“From now on they will no longer be issuing wind chill watches, warnings or warnings. Instead, the NWS will simplify its message by sending cold weather advisories and extreme cold warnings and warnings,” said Steve Beylon, chief meteorologist for First Alert Weather.

“Like WBAY-TV, the National Weather Service seeks to serve the public by making weather warnings easier to understand.”

These are the criteria for most of northeastern Wisconsin, including the Fox Valley and Lakeshore:

• COLD WEATHER ADVICE: Wind chill OR temperature of -20°F over the next 12 to 24 hours
• EXTREMELY COLD WATCH: A wind chill OR a temperature of -30°F is possible over the next 24 to 72 hours
• Extreme cold warning: There is a risk of a wind chill OR a temperature of -30°F over the next 12 to 36 hours

In the Northwoods and central Wisconsin, the thresholds are -25°F or colder for a warning and -35°F or colder for a warning or extreme cold warning.

“These new warnings will be used when cold weather could be hazardous to health,” Steve explained.

Wind is still a factor in determining these warnings, but it is no longer the only factor. The ambient temperature can still be dangerous.

The National Weather Service explains:

• Cold Weather Advice: Be careful. A cold warning is issued when seasonally cold air temperatures or wind chill values, but not extremely cold values, are expected or occur. Make sure you and your loved ones dress appropriately and cover exposed skin when going outdoors.
• Extreme Cold Watch: Be prepared. An extreme cold warning is issued when dangerously cold air temperatures or wind chill levels are possible. As with a warning, adjust your plans to avoid being outside during the coldest times of the day. Make sure your car has at least half a tank of gas and update your winter survival gear.
• Extreme cold warning: take action! An extreme cold warning is issued when dangerously cold air temperatures or wind chill levels are expected or occur. If you are in an area with an extreme cold warning, avoid going outside. If you must go outside, dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and make sure at least one other person is aware of your whereabouts. Update it when you arrive safely at your destination.

Organizations will need time to adapt to the new NWS messages.

Ready, Wisconsin and even the National Weather Service in Green Bay still have websites explaining wind chill warnings and watches without any mention of the new terminology.

School districts may still have cold weather policies to keep children indoors or delay or cancel school classes due to the wind chill factor.

Copyright 2024 WBAY. All rights reserved.