Cold, bitter wind chills expected in central Iowa for second half of the week

Melody Mercado, Des Moines Register
·3 min read

Bitterly cold temperatures are in store the rest of this week in central Iowa.

After a high of 44 degrees on Tuesday, temperatures will drop sharply for the rest of the week. According to the National Weather Service, the coldest day will likely be Thursday, when Des Moines should expect to see a high around 4 degrees

Des Moines will see a high of around zero degrees with single digits likely for the rest of central Iowa.

A dip in the jet stream will open the door for artic air from Canada to drop into the Midwest, according to AccuWeather. Wind chills could drop into the -20 degrees range in northern Iowa and reach as low as -10 degrees throughout central Iowa.

The cold, dangerous wind chills are expected to last Wednesday through Friday. To protect yourself against the cold the NWS suggests wearing the following when going outside:

  • Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent and hooded.

  • Wear a hat to trap body heat from escaping.

  • Cover mouth to protect from lungs from extreme cold.

  • Cover your hands with mittens that are snug to the wrist.

Tips for preventing frostbite from the Mayo Clinic:

  • Limit the time you're outdoors in cold, wet or windy weather.

  • Dress in several layers of loose, warm clothing. Air trapped between the layers of clothing acts as insulation against the cold. Wear windproof and waterproof outer garments to protect against wind, snow and rain. Choose undergarments that wick moisture away from your skin. Change out of wet clothing, particularly gloves, hats and socks.

  • Early signs of frostbite include red or pale skin, prickling, and numbness. Seek warm shelter immediately if you notice any of those indicators.

  • When traveling in cold weather, carry emergency supplies and warm clothing in case you become stranded.

  • Don't drink alcohol if you plan to be outdoors in cold weather. Alcoholic beverages cause your body to lose heat faster.

  • Eat well-balanced meals, and stay hydrated. Doing this even before you go out in the cold will help you stay warm.

  • Keep moving. Exercise can get the blood flowing and help you stay warm. But don't do it to the point of exhaustion.

Stages of frostbite from the Mayo Clinic

  • Frostnip is a mild form of frostbite. Continued exposure leads to numbness in the affected area. As your skin warms, you may feel pain and tingling. Frostnip doesn't permanently damage the skin.

  • Superficial frostbite appears as reddened skin that turns white or pale. Your skin may begin to feel warm — a sign of serious skin involvement. If you treat frostbite with rewarming at this stage, the surface of your skin may appear mottled. And you may notice stinging, burning and swelling. A fluid-filled blister may appear 12 to 36 hours after rewarming the skin.

  • Deep (severe) frostbite affects all layers of the skin, including the tissues that lie below. Your skin turns white or bluish gray and you may experience numbness, losing all sensation of cold, pain or discomfort in the affected area. Joints or muscles may no longer work. Large blisters form 24 to 48 hours after rewarming. Afterward, the area turns black and hard as the tissue dies.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines to see cold, dangerous wind chills starting Wednesday