JACKSON, Wyo. — Temperatures have dipped below 0° in Jackson this week, leaving many reaching for extra layers.
Teton County Emergency Management (TCEM) shared a refresher last year advising how to use clothing layers to stay safe and comfortable in the cold.
While most of this knowledge is second-nature to seasoned Wyomingites, it never hurts to revisit the basics.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the definition of extreme cold varies depending on the typical climate for a region. For instance, in the southern states, temperatures around freezing are considered extreme cold as they can cause severe damage to local crops and vegetation, and can cause pipes to freeze and burst in homes that are not designed for such conditions.
NWS Riverton Warning Coordination Meteorologist Lance VandenBoogart confirmed to Buckrail that the Riverton office considers an apparent temperature of –35° to be the threshold of extreme cold. Apparent temperature is the combination of the measured temperature plus the wind chill; wind chill accounts for wind speed and indicates the rate of heat loss to the human body in those cold conditions.
“As winds increase, heat is carried away from the body at a faster rate, driving down both the skin temperature and eventually the internal body temperature,” the NWS website reads.
Remember that frostbite danger increases as temperatures drop and wind speeds climb. The Mayo Clinic recommends taking the following steps to properly dress for cold 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 the skin. Change out of wet clothing — particularly gloves, hats and socks — as soon as possible.
- Wear a hat or headband that fully covers the ears. Heavy woolen or windproof materials make the best headwear for cold protection.
- Wear mittens rather than gloves. Mittens provide better protection. Or try a thin pair of glove liners made of a wicking material (such as polypropylene) under a pair of heavier gloves or mittens.
- Wear socks and sock liners that fit well, wick moisture and provide insulation. Consider hand and foot warmers as well. Be sure foot warmers don’t make boots too tight, restricting blood flow.
Stay warm out there!
This story runs annually.
