
Here’s How Quickly Different Body Parts Can Freeze in The Bitter Maine, New Hampshire & Massachusetts Temps
We often like to joke about how cold the weather in Maine gets in the wintertime. And, to be quite honest with you, we have to joke about it or we will probably all just cry. However sometimes, the weather gets so cold that it just becomes downright dangerous.
Shouldn't Mainers be used to the cold at this point?
Well, yes we should, but sometimes these cold snaps strike with such tenacity and surprise that even the most seasoned Mainers are taken by surprise and may be left unprepared for such dangerously cold temps.
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Whenever it gets this cold I often think about the kiddos that have to wait outside for the bus for extended periods along with crappy pet owners who allow their dogs to stay outside way too long in the element.
How long does it take body parts to freeze in these bitter cold temps?
When it comes to skin exposure when temperatures in Maine and beyond reach 0 Fahrenheit, it doesn't take long for certain body parts to succumb to the brutal cold. And it's not just the cold temps that can 'do you in', even a slight breeze in the air can speed the process up dramatically.
The above graphic from Weather.Gov shows just how quickly body parts and exposed skin can begin to literally freeze when temperature decrease and wind speeds increase. And keep in mind, the tips of your ears will fall victim to frostbite quicker than your hands. So keep as much covered as possible.
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According to Health Partners,
- When the temperature is zero degrees Fahrenheit or below, it takes about 30 minutes for exposed skin to get frostbite.
- At 15 degrees below zero with even a little bit of wind, frostbite is possible within 15 minutes.
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Pictures of Flooded Old Orchard Beach, Maine
Gallery Credit: Lori Voornas
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