The Danger of Freezing Temperatures and Extreme Weather
As winter coats many regions in the United States with freezing temperatures, it is crucial to understand the profound impact these weather conditions can have on our health, well-being, and energy consumption. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the statistics behind the frequency of freezing temperatures, the rapid onset of frostbite, energy consumption by power and utilities companies, and the caloric needs for outdoor work under the deadly cold temperatures. Moreover, we’ll explore the important role of automation like weather tracking and smart home sensors in mitigating these risks.
Frequency of Freezing Temperatures
The Midwest winter brings a mix of hazardous weather, including snowstorms, ice storms, high winds, and sleet storms, all of which pose threats to life, property, and transportation in the region. The Illinois State Water Survey [1] reveals that severe snowstorms are the most common, occurring approximately 4 to 8 times per year. Ice storms are also prevalent, averaging about 4 to 5 days annually in the northern areas.
The National Weather Service reports that the U.S. is currently experiencing record-low temperatures and "life-threatening" levels of cold in the first significant Arctic outbreak of the winter. More than 40 million Americans were under winter weather advisories on Saturday 2024/1/13. These advisories encompassed a range of conditions, including rain, strong winds, and heavy snow. A significant part of the United States was anticipated to encounter the coldest conditions of the winter in the upcoming days. [2]
Average High and Low Temperature at Midwest National Air Center
Extreme Winter Weather Consequences
Annually, winter conditions contribute to the fatalities of hundreds of individuals in the United States, primarily due to "indirect" factors such as vehicle accidents, fires resulting from improper heater use, overexertion, and exposure. Researchers note that 70 percent of fatalities linked to ice and snow occur in automobiles, with approximately 25 percent of all winter-related deaths involving individuals caught off guard and exposed to the elements. [3]
Low temperatures pose a danger of exposure and hypothermia for individuals outdoors who are not adequately dressed or prepared for such weather conditions. A common injury in these extreme weather events is frostbite. Frostbite is considered a type of burn occurring when the skin and underlying tissues freeze. Typically, it happens when the skin is exposed to temperatures below freezing for a specific duration, the length of which depends on the temperature and wind speed (wind chill).
The provided chart by the National Weather Service illustrates the potential time it could take to experience frostbite under different temperature and wind speed conditions. [4]
Energy Consumption during Freezing Temperatures
Summer and winter are the two seasons when energy consumption rises due to the need of air conditioning and heating. The more extreme the weather, the more energy will be used by households and businesses to keep the interior areas within the desired temperatures. A home’s heating system consumes approximately 60% of its total energy [5]. As temperature drops, the heating system needs to work harder to maintain the home’s set temperature and heat up the cold water for the household's use. Power outages are more common during severe winter storms, leaving homes without essential services. Preparedness, backup power sources, and energy-efficient practices become paramount in navigating the challenges presented by freezing temperatures.
Caloric Needs for Outdoor Activities
The increased energy requirements in the cold are due to many different factors. Research shows that exposure to cold elevates both oxygen consumption and metabolic rate (Gray et al., 1951; Timmons et al., 1985), thus increasing our caloric need to maintain thermoregulation. In addition, our movements and activities in the freezing temperatures are restricted by the clothing and equipment needed to protect us against heat loss and wind chill.
The Role of Automation
As technology advances, the integration of automation is essential in creating resilient and adaptive solutions for winter weather. Automated weather tracking systems play a pivotal role in forecasting and responding to freezing temperatures. Meteorological data is analyzed by advanced algorithms, which provides real-time information on anticipated weather conditions. This proactive strategy enables communities and individuals to plan for extreme cold events, reducing the dangers of frostbite, ice roadways, and other weather-related hazards.
Smart home sensors are another automated tool that contributes significantly to energy efficiency during cold conditions. These sensors can monitor interior and exterior conditions in real time and modify heating systems accordingly. Smart home automation optimizes temperature regulation to provide comfort while simultaneously reducing energy usage.
By understanding the risks associated with freezing temperatures, individuals and communities can take proactive measures to stay warm, secure, and resilient in the face of the biting cold. These proactive measures are enhanced by automated tools such as weather tracking systems and smart home sensors that revolutionize the way we approach winter challenges.
Citation
[1] Changnon, Stanley & Kunkel, Kenneth. (2006). Severe Storms in the Midwest.
[2] Betts, A., Schmall, E., Meko, H., & Klein, A. H. (2024, January 13). Coast to coast, a brutal mix of snow, rain and bitter cold. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/13/us/winter-storm-snow-rain-forecast.html
[3] Winter storms. (n.d.). MRCC. https://mrcc.geddes.rcac.purdue.edu/living_wx/winterstorms
[4] NOAA’s National Weather Service. (n.d.). Wind chill chart. https://www.weather.gov/safety/cold-wind-chill-chart
[5] Extremely cold weather can cause big problems and big bills | Greenville Utilities Commission, NC. (n.d.). Greenville Utilities Commission, NC. https://www.guc.com/news/extremely-cold-weather-can-cause-big-problems-and-big-bills
Author: Tram Nguyen