For this reason, there will be no wind chill warnings in the U.S. this winter

(Gray News) – You won’t hear any more wind chill warnings across the United States.

You also won’t hear about wind chill advisories or wind chill watches.

The explanation is simple.

The National Weather Service has retired the terms in exchange for terms it hopes will make weather warnings easier to understand.

A Wind Chill watch is now an Extreme Cold watch. It is issued when dangerously cold air, with or without wind, is possible. You should adjust your plans to avoid being outside during the coldest times of the day and make sure you have at least half a tank of gas and updated winter survival gear.

A wind chill warning is now an extreme cold warning. It is issued when dangerously cold air is expected, with or without wind. You should avoid going outside, but if you must, dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and make sure at least one person knows where you are going and when you will arrive at your destination.

A wind chill warning is now a cold weather warning. When going outdoors, you should be sure to dress appropriately and cover exposed skin.

The NWS made the changes to clarify that cold weather can be dangerous with or without wind, addressing a common misconception that extreme cold is only associated with colder temperatures when wind is blowing.

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