Iowans Are In Danger Of Frostbite This Weekend. Here’s What To Watch For.

Temps are plummeting and you really need to be prepared.

Windy snow has made it's way back to us for the second time this week and temps are about to get in the negatives as the arctic blast moves in. You have to layer up, grab your gloves and snow boots, and be dressed warm enough to get out in this at all.

According to NHS, frostbite can happen when the temperatures are 31 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Which will absolutely be the case for us this weekend.

What To Know About Frostbite

Frostnip is kind of the first stage, which consists of red skin, a prickly feeling, or numbness. That's pretty easy to take care of, just warm up the affected area. If it worsens into a frostbite, the skin might turn purple and become waxy. You could experience clumsiness and become unsteady because your joins are cold. Other symptoms include a lot of shivering and slurred speech. Of course, if it gets to that stage, get to the ER.

It Doesn't Take Long To Get Frostbite

Mayo Clinic says you can get frostbite in less than 30 minutes. It could be less than that if you're dehydrated, you've been drinking, or if you have a condition involving your blood flow.

Windy conditions (like we have here) make exposed skin especially vulnerable to frostbite.

National Weather Service of the Quad Cities made you a handy dandy chart of how much time you have outside before you can get frostbite. And judging from this weekend, it could take you 10 minutes to get frostbite in the QC.

If You Do Get Frostbite

If it's bad, seek medical help. But warm up the person and the area that's frostbit. Take off any wet clothing, protect the frostbit area from the cold, don't try to walk if your feet are frostbit, and take a pain reliever to help if you can.

Stay safe and warm this weekend! None of us want to deal with a frostbite.