New 'extreme cold' warning will replace wind chill warning

pioneer press ^ | 12-4-11 | andy rathbun

[WOBBLY BOB]

You won't be hearing wind chill warnings in the Twin Cities this winter - but not because it won't get cold.

Several National Weather Service offices, including the office in Chanhassen, are replacing wind chill warnings with what they're calling "extreme cold" warnings.

"In large part, it's just a name change," said Todd Krause, warning coordination meteorologist for the weather service's Chanhassen office.

Krause said warnings used to be issued if the wind chill factor dropped to minus 35.

But if the temperature was minus 35 with no wind, no warning was issued.

The new extreme cold warning will be issued for dangerously low temperatures or wind chills.

"Once or twice every winter, you can get a time when the actual air temperature drops down to minus 35," Krause said.

[WOBBLY BOB]

even like that, it keeps your face warm.

yes, I’m series.

[Smokin' Joe]

The snow underfoot became incredibly noisy when you walked over it, as the crystals did not melt under pressure.

Yep. It makes a kind of squeeching sound, like stepping in or driving over styrofoam peanuts. The kids ride their bicycles in -20 weather, because the snow is about the same as sand as far as traction goes.

[wbill]

Yeah, I had to do it in the snow and cold, too. Barefoot. Uphill. Both ways.

[stylin19a]

-35...waaaaaaaaay colder than -34

[Lou L]

Once experienced -40° as a kid.

In the 1980's, I skied at Alta, Utah, when it was -30°. Thankfully, there was no wind, and it was a bright, sunny day. There was also about 16 inches of new, fluffy powder. I remember walking around on the packed snow around the chairlifts, and you're absolutely correct--the snow "squeaked" when you walked on it.

[BerryDingle]

The snow underfoot became incredibly noisy when you walked over it, as the crystals did not melt under pressure.

I used to wear arctic gear and "shuffle" over snow like that. I remember one day unplugging my truck and as I approached the door handle, a static spark jumped from my hand to the door handle because it was so dry.