Coldwave
Sharp drops to dangerous cold
What is it?
A coldwave is a rapid or sustained fall in temperature well below what a region is adapted to, stressing the human body, infrastructure and agriculture alike.
How we measure it
Forecast overnight minimum temperature (°C) from Open-Meteo; severity escalates as the low crosses cold-stress thresholds.
Overnight low — cold-stress guide
- > 10°CMildNo cold risk for the general population
- 0–10°CChillyVulnerable groups need warm clothing and heating
- −10–0°CColdFrostnip/hypothermia possible with exposure; pipes can freeze
- < −10°CSevere coldFrostbite on exposed skin; hypothermia risk rises sharply
Within safe range
Above ~10°C the body maintains core temperature easily with ordinary clothing.
Beyond the range
Below freezing, exposed skin loses heat rapidly — wind makes it dramatically worse (wind chill). Hypothermia sets in when core temperature drops below 35°C: shivering gives way to confusion and drowsiness, which is the danger sign. Infants and the elderly are affected at milder temperatures than healthy adults.
Precautions
- Layer clothing; cover head, hands and feet — most heat escapes from exposed skin.
- Keep one room reliably warm rather than heating poorly.
- Never use charcoal or gas stoves for indoor heating — carbon-monoxide risk.
- Watch for confusion or slurred speech in others: hypothermia impairs judgment first.
- Protect pipes and crops when lows approach freezing.