The coldest part of the season is about to begin as the National Weather Service Green Bay reports that below-freezing wind chills are expected Wednesday afternoon through Friday morning.
However, Brown County Emergency Management is warning of the possibility of another snowfall similar to last week’s.
According to the National Weather Service’s wind chill forecast, temperatures in the Green Bay area will peak around 26 before noon before dropping Wednesday afternoon before dropping to 1 degree Wednesday night. The coldest day of the three will be Thursday when a high of 10 is expected with chills below zero all day, with the coldest at 6am – 2pm.
The cold period ends on Friday when the temperature rises to 24 degrees by noon and a wind chill of 16 degrees. A high of 36 is expected on Saturday.
Wind gusts of 55 km/h are expected throughout the route, with the strongest winds expected late Wednesday afternoon and evening.
This will be the second coldest stretch of 2024 for the Green Bay area, as there was a cold stretch from January 14 through 17 where temperatures were below zero, according to the National Weather Service Green Bay.
Will it snow during this period?
According to National Weather Service Green Bay meteorologist Roy Eckberg, a half inch of snow is expected in the area on Wednesday, with brief, heavy snowfalls and poor visibility at times. Due to freezing temperatures and strong winds, be on the lookout for slippery spots on Wednesday.
Brown County Emergency Management warned in a Facebook post Tuesday of a possible snow shower between noon and 3 p.m. Wednesday.
Last week, high winds and snow led to a snow shower in the late afternoon, icing up roads in the Green Bay area. Emergency management said in its message that conditions could be good for another one on Wednesday. “Snow showers cause rapid loss of visibility as snow and wind create whiteout conditions,” the post said, adding: “Snow showers are less predictable than other winter events, but due to the impact these events can have, it is good to to pay close attention to monitoring weather conditions when snow showers are possible.”
Emergency management provided these tips to stay safe, including:
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While driving, turn on your headlights and increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
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Don’t hit your brakes.
What are wind chill temperatures?
Wind chill is how cold people and animals feel when they are outside. It is based on heat loss from exposed skin caused by wind and cold. It will already be cold, but the added wind will make it feel a lot colder than it is.
Is it dangerous to be outside during the wind chills?
The National Weather Service said frostbite can occur within 30 minutes with wind chills of minus 15 to minus 25. This happens when your skin is exposed to freezing temperatures for an extended period of time.
It is recommended that people limit time outdoors and wear layers while keeping all of their skin covered. If you have pets, bring them inside as well. Eckberg also recommends that travelers keep a winter survival kit in the car, as well as some extra hats and gloves in case something were to happen to your car.
Rashad Alexander can be contacted at ralexander@gannett.com and 920-431-8214.
This article originally appeared in the Green Bay Press-Gazette: Dangerous wind chills are expected in Green Bay starting Wednesday
