NOAA Renames Cold Weather Alerts to Improve Public Awareness and Safety
Starting on October 1, 2024, NOAA’s National Weather Service introduced a streamlined approach to cold weather alerts to better inform the public about the dangers of extreme cold. The changes aim to clarify that extreme cold poses risks, even without wind, and emphasize that wintry conditions can be hazardous on their own.
Key Changes to Cold Weather Alerts
- Wind Chill Watches are now Extreme Cold Watches
- Wind Chill Warnings are now Extreme Cold Warnings
- Wind Chill Advisory is now Cold Weather Advisory
- Hard Freeze Watches are now Freeze Watches
- Hard Freeze Warnings are now Freeze Warnings
Why These Changes Matter
These updates aim to help people better understand the risks of cold weather, including frostbite and hypothermia, and to make informed decisions about their safety during winter conditions. The new terminology will make it easier for the public to recognize the severity of cold weather threats and prepare accordingly.
NOAA’s Hazard Simplification initiative also integrates public feedback and social science research to refine how weather alerts are communicated, ensuring that winter hazards are taken seriously, whether or not there’s wind.
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