The National Weather Service (NWS) recently announced changes to its cold weather forecast terminology to improve clarity and communication during extreme cold events. Starting in October 2024, the familiar terms "Wind Chill" and "Hard Freeze" have been replaced with updated terms that aim to better convey the risks associated with cold temperatures.
Key Changes:
- Wind Chill: Renamed to "Feels-Like Temperature." This change is intended to simplify the understanding of how cold it feels outside by combining temperature and wind speed into a more intuitive expression.
- Hard Freeze: Now called "Freeze Warning." This revision focuses on the potential damage to crops and infrastructure due to extremely cold temperatures, making it clearer for individuals and industries to prepare.
- The NWS made these changes based on feedback and a desire to make weather warnings more accessible to the general public. This simplification of terms could improve public safety by ensuring that critical weather information is easier to understand and act upon.
- In Minnesota and other cold-weather states, these changes are expected to be particularly useful during harsh winters when quick decision-making can prevent accidents or health issues. As temperatures drop this season, Minnesotans will start seeing these new terms in local forecasts, helping them stay informed and safe.