The frigid temperatures are being felt all across Kosciusko County yet again today and meteorologists with the National Weather Service are not expecting to see temperatures warming up much through the upcoming weekend.
Wind chill values are likely to be below the 0° into the afternoon and evening with the wind out of the west between 5 and 10 mph. Sunshine and cold today with a high of only 12°. Wind chill values tonight are predicted as low as -10°.
Forecasters are predicting temperatures to warm up early next week with a high of 31° Monday and up to 44° Tuesday.
If you choose to spend extend amounts of time outside today or this weekend, the Indiana State Department of Health offers the following tips and warning signs of hypothermia and frostbite:
Health officials recommend wearing the following items:
• A hat or hood (as most heat is lost through the head)
• A scarf or knit mask to cover face and mouth
• Sleeves that are snug at the wrist
• Mittens (they are warmer than gloves)
• Water-resistant coat and boots
• Several layers of loose-fitting clothing
These are the warning signs of hypothermia for adults:
• Shivering, exhaustion
• Confusion, fumbling hands
• Memory loss, slurred speech
• Drowsiness
Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and in severe cases, can lead to amputation. The risk of frostbite is increased in people with reduced blood circulation and among people who are not dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures.
Warning signs of frostbite include:
• White or grayish-yellow skin
• Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
• Numbness
