01/24/2026
Please be careful the next 4 days. Frost bite can set in very quickly and the damage is not always reversible. It’s going to be in the single digits and the wind chill is going to be below zero through Tuesday.
Frostbite symptoms start with cold, prickly skin, redness, then numbness, tingling, and a burning sensation, progressing to pale/waxy skin that feels hard and swollen, potentially developing blisters, and in severe cases, turning black (gangrene). It most affects fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks, and chin, but can cause systemic issues like confusion or uncoordinated movement in severe cases.
Early Symptoms (Frostnip)
Cold, prickly skin: A pins-and-needles feeling.
Redness: Skin may turn red.
Burning/Stinging: A stinging or burning sensation.
Worsening Symptoms
Numbness: Loss of feeling in the area, masking pain.
Skin changes: Skin becomes pale, white, gray, yellow, or bluish.
Firmness: Skin feels hard, waxy, or swollen.
Aching/Throbbing: Pain or throbbing may occur as it thaws or deepens.
Clumsiness: Stiff joints or clumsy movements, especially in hands/feet.
Severe Symptoms (Requires Immediate Medical Help)
Blisters: Fluid-filled blisters forming after rewarming.
Blackened Skin: Black, dead tissue (gangrene) indicates severe damage.
Systemic signs: Confusion, slurred speech, slow movements, or changes in heartbeat.
If you suspect frostbite, get to a warm place immediately and seek medical attention, especially if you see blistering, bleeding, or severe numbness.
