According to the State Climatology Office, most of Minnesota’s observed warming has been when it’s coolest. Minnesota’s changing wintersĬlimate change is changing Minnesota winters. But winter also presents many hazards that we need to prepare for - including extreme cold, snow, and ice. Minnesota winters provide a variety of new and exciting recreation opportunities - whether that be sledding, ice skating, skiing, or curling up under a blanket with a warm beverage. If you or your companions show signs of hypothermia or frostbite (shivering, feeling very tired, confusion, drowsiness, memory loss, slurred speech), seek help immediately.Preparing for winter weather in a changing climate.(Your non-frozen butt will thank you.) And don’t eat the snow-that could dangerously lower your body temperature. If you’re caught outside, huddle together against a tree or a rock ledge to block the wind, and do not sit down on snow.If you get stuck in your car, huddle with your companions for extra warmth.Load up on blankets, canned fruits, bottles of water, and warm fluids in a thermos bring an external battery in case you need to recharge your cell phone.Try to travel during the day when visibility will be better.Try to find a shelter-like a nearby school or library-that has heat and electricity. Evacuate only if you lose power and your home becomes too cold to stay in.You might not think you need as much liquid in the winter as you do in summer, but staying hydrated helps your body generate enough heat to maintain a healthy body temperature. Drink lots of water-or hot cocoa, or tea, or whatever-to stay hydrated.(Being cold and wet will just make you colder!) Other must-haves: two pairs of socks, mittens instead of gloves, a thick scarf, and a hat. That way you can take off items if you start to sweat. Try a t-shirt under a long-sleeved shirt under a sweater under a coat. Listen to local radio or news for updated weather information.Make sure your family has a home emergency kit: water (at least a gallon for each person per day for several days), food (non-perishable or canned items for several days), flashlight, extra batteries, first-aid kit, manual can opener, local maps, battery-powered radio, and cell phone with a backup battery.If you have a fireplace, stock up on firewood or coal.(If they’re not, apply plastic sheets on the inside.) Ask your parents to "winterize" your house: Check that heating sources are clean and working, and make sure windows are insulated so cold air can’t come in.Learn more about ways you can protect your family from dangerous winter weather. Winter weather advisory: This means that dangerous winter weather is happening, which could be a blizzard. Winter storm outlook or watch: This means that conditions are right for a snowstorm or blizzard to form. Blizzards usually have wind chill factors of 10☏ or lower. Wind chill factor: This is what the temperature feels like outside, even if the real temperature is higher. Meteorologists use certain words and phrases that will help you know when a blizzard is coming. The best way to survive a blizzard is to prepare for extreme weather. A warmer atmosphere means more moisture in the air that will eventually fall as snow (or rain) many also believe that warmer temperatures will create higher winds. Scientists believe that as global temperatures continue to rise because of climate change, blizzards could become more extreme. One of the most severe blizzards in the United States-known as the Great Blizzard of ’88-happened in March 1888, killing more than 400 people. When enough crystals stick together, they form snowflakes and fall to the ground.Īnd though most blizzards occur during winter, they can happen during other seasons, too. At temperatures between about minus 40☏ and 32☏, the water droplets crystallize. When those droplets collect more water, they fall as rain. And for snow, you need clouds.Ĭlouds form when part of the air becomes cold enough that water vapor, which is the gas form of water, condenses and becomes tiny water droplets that form around things like dust and sea salt. How blizzards developīefore you can have a blizzard, you first need snow. Learn more about these dangerous winter storms-and what to do if one comes your way. And those stuck outside in freezing temperatures can face frostbite or hypothermia, a condition in which your body temperature becomes dangerously low. Large amounts of snowfall can trap people inside their homes. These conditions can be dangerous-low visibility can cause drivers to crash on roads, and high winds can topple power lines, which means some homes will be without heat.
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