What is an extremely cold watch?

On By Littum

The National Weather Service has placed Columbus and central Ohio under an extreme cold watch from 1 Monday to 10 Wednesday.

The NWS in Wilmington warns that daytime temperatures will be in the single digits, and overnight temperatures of 5 to 10 degrees below zero could drop with the wind chill to down to minus 15-25 degrees.

So what exactly is an extremely cold watch?

In October 2024, the NWS stopped issuing wind chill watches, warnings and advisories. The NWS replaced them with extreme cold watches, extreme cold warnings and cold weather warnings.

In addition, freeze watches and warnings were renamed to hard freeze watches and warnings.

According to the NWS, an extreme cold watch is issued when “dangerously cold air, with or without wind, is possible.”

The difference between an extreme cold watch and an extreme cold warning is similar to the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. An extreme cold watch means dangerously cold conditions may be on the way, while an extreme cold warning means conditions are present.

The NWS does not have a set temperature at which extreme cold or warnings are issued. Local forecast offices are responsible for issuing the alerts, which are generally based on sustained extreme cold temperatures over an extended period of time.

What should I do during an extreme cold watch?

The NWS recommends that people plan to avoid going outside in the coldest temperatures each day, protect pets and livestock, gather emergency supplies and make sure vehicles have at least half a tank of gas. Additionally, homeowners should allow water to drip on interior water lines against exterior walls or open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach them to avoid potential ruptures that can occur in extreme cold.

NWS website includes a suggested winter car survival kit with things like flashlights, jump leads and water.

During an extreme cold warning, the NWS says people should avoid going outside. If you must go outside, dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and make sure at least one other person knows where you’re going.

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