National Weather Service renames Hard Freeze, Wind Chill advisories

Beginning on Oct. 1, the National Weather Service made changes to their winter forecasting.

These were the changes that took place:

Extreme Cold Consolidation and Renaming

• Wind Chill Watches were renamed to Extreme Cold Watch
• Wind Chill Warnings were renamed to Extreme Cold Warning
• Wind Chill Advisory was renamed to Cold Weather Advisory

Freeze Consolidation

• Hard Freeze Watches were renamed to a Freeze Watch
• Hard Freeze Warnings were consolidated into a Freeze Warning

The agency cited clarity as the primary reason for the changes, saying, “These changes seek to clarify that cold can be dangerous with or without wind, addressing a common misconception that extreme cold is only tied to colder temperatures when there is wind. Dangerously cold weather can accompany or follow wintry precipitation, and the cold messaging can be overshadowed by the wintry precipitation.”

What do the different cold weather advisories mean?

Frost Advisory

• A Frost Advisory is issued when areas of frost are expected or occurring, posing a threat to sensitive vegetation.

Freeze Watch

• A Freeze Watch means the potential for significant, widespread freezing temperatures within the next 24-36 hours.

Freeze Warning

• A Freeze Warning is issued when temperatures are forecasted to go below 32°F for a long period of time. This temperature threshold kills some types of commercial crops and residential plants, while temperatures below 28°F for an extended period of time can kill most types of commercial crops and residential plants.

Cold weather safety tips:

• Outdoor water pipes should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly to prevent freezing and possible bursting.
• Cover in-ground sprinkler systems.
• Wear warm clothing. Check on older people, ensuring their heaters work and house heating is proper.
• Pets are also susceptible to extreme colds. Keep pets indoors as much as possible, or ensure outdoor pets have a dry and warm shelter and sufficient food and fresh water.
• Cover or bring potted plants indoors
• Check your car tire pressure; oil, coolant, and other fluids are always topped off.

And a reminder: Use extreme care when using portable heaters.