How Long Can You Stay Outside in Cold Weather?

Written By Kasandra Brabaw (Patch Staff)

In these extreme wind chills and temperatures, it’s doubtful anyone wants to be outside. Unfortunately, some don’t have a choice.

The kids have to wait for their bus. The dog needs to go out. The car has ice covering every window.

• Also See: Why You Shouldn’t Idle Your Car In Cold Weather

For some reason or another, you’ll have to brave frigid weather today. But it’s difficult to know how long is too long to be outside. The National Weather Service provides a handy chart (pictured below) detailing how long it takes for the average adult to get frostbite in specific temperatures and wind speeds.

Note: Children and the elderly are likely to feel effects of cold weather, including frostbite and hypothermia, more quickly than the average adult.

With wind chills in the negative 20 degrees this week, you’ll want to limit your time outdoors to 30 minutes or less. Staying in the cold longer than a half hour increases your risk for frostbite.

Hypothermia is also a risk at temperatures this low and can affect people whenever their core temperature drops below 98.6 degrees.

Signs of hypothermia include: uncontrollable shivering, mumbling, stumbling, grey or blue-tinged skin, drowsiness and shallow breathing.

To increase warmth and reduce risk of frostbite and hypothermia, follow cold weather dress code tips such as wearing a wind-resistant coat, several loose layers and mittens instead of gloves.

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Photo by beL0VED, via flickr creative commons