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0°C to -9°C (32°F to 15.8°F): Low Frostbite Risk
- dress for the weather
- dress warm
- stay dry
There might be a slight increase in discomfort from prolonged exposure to cold. Otherwise, not much to worry about.
Advice:
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-10°C to -27°C (14°F to -16.6°F): Low Frostbite Risk
- dress for the weather, preferably in layers: consider at least three layers with the third being a wind-resistant coat
- cover exposed skin a hat/earmuffs/tuque, gloves, scarf/neck tube and insulated, water-resistant boots, all a MUST at this temperature range
- be active, keep in movement
- stay dry
Not the most comfortable temperatures, there is a risk of hypothermia with prolonged exposure to this temperature range without adequate protection.
Advice:
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-28°C to -39°C (-18.4°F to -38.2°F): Risk of Frostbite in 10 to 30 Minutes
- dress for the weather, preferably in layers: consider at least three layers with the third being a wind-resistant coat
- cover exposed skin with a hat/earmuffs/tuque, gloves, scarf/neck tube and insulated, water-resistant boots, all a MUST at this temperature range
- be active, keep in movement
- keep an eye out for whiteness or numbness in the skin,
- stay dry
Adequate protection from the elements is absolutely essential at this point as the risk of frostbite as well as hypothermia are significantly heightened as soon as temperatures, with or without wind chill, dip below -27°C (-16.6°F). It's highly recommended that outdoor activities be engaged in at least pairs if not groups in order to check each other's faces for possible signs of frostbite.
Advice:
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-40°C to -47°C (-40°F to -52.6°F): High Risk of Frostbite of Exposed Skin in 5 to 10 Minutes (Even Less if Winds Are Sustained Over 50km/h (31 miles/h)
- dress for the weather, preferably in layers: consider at least three layers with the third being a wind-resistant coat
- cover exposed skin with a hat/earmuffs/tuque, gloves, scarf/neck tube/face mask and insulated, water-resistant boots, all a MUST at this temperature range
- be active, keep in movement
- periodically check for whiteness or numbness in the skin
- stay dry
Adequate protection from the elements is absolutely essential at this point as the risk of frostbite as well as hypothermia are imminent if exposure is prolonged without adequate protection and shelter. Outdoor activities should be engaged in at least pairs if not groups in order to check each other's faces for possible signs of frostbite.
Advice:
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-48°C to -54°C (-54.4°F to -65.2°F): Very High Risk of Frostbite of Exposed Skin in 2 to 5 Minutes (Even Less if Winds Are Sustained Over 50km/h (31 miles/h)
- dress for the weather, preferably in layers: consider at least three layers with the third being a wind-resistant coat
- cover ALL exposed skin -- NO EXCEPTIONS -- with a hat/earmuffs/tuque, gloves, scarf/neck tube/face mask and insulated, water-resistant boots, all a MUST at this temperature range
- be active, keep in movement
- check frequently for whiteness or numbness in the skin
- stay dry
- be ready to cut short outdoor activities or even cancel them
Adequate protection from the elements is absolutely essential at this point as the frostbite as well as hypothermia are virtually guaranteed if exposure is prolonged without adequate protection and shelter. Outdoor activities should be engaged in at least pairs if not groups in order to check each other's faces for possible signs of frostbite.
Advice:
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-55°C or colder (-67°F or colder): Extremely High Risk of Frostbite of Exposed Skin in 2 Minutes or Less
Stay indoors. Outdoor conditions are too hazardous for any kind of activity.
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Frostbite FAQs
- What is frostbite?
- What does frostbite look like?
- How long does it take to get frostbitten?
- Could you provide me with a breakdown of what to wear and what to do depending on the temperature and wind chill index?
- How do I prevent frostbite?
- What are the symptoms of frostbite?
- Who is most susceptible to frostbite?
- Who gets frostbite the most though?
- I think I may be frostbitten. What should I do?
