HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — As part of the ongoing National Weather Service (NWS) Hazard Simplification Project, the NWS is acting upon data collected during public and partner engagements, surveys, and social science research leading to consolidation of Wind Chill and Extreme Cold products and Freeze and Hard Freeze Products ahead of this winter season.
The new NWS Cold Product Suite will allow NWS to communicate that cold is dangerous with or without wind. Wind chill will not go away although emphasis will be placed on "cold is cold" for public safety. Consolidation of NWS Freeze and Hard Freeze products into one streamlined Freeze Watch/Warning with enhanced language for hard freeze conditions as needed will simplify and improve messaging and service delivery.
The scope of the NWS Frost/Freeze services is focused on vegetation and agriculture taking into account growing season, impacts, and precautionary/preparedness actions.
Examples of Watches/Warnings/Advisories on FOX54's Weather Impact Team's graphics:
Cold Weather Advisory (previously Wind Chill Advisory):
A Cold Weather Advisory is issued when seasonably cold air temperatures or wind chill values, but not extremely cold values, are expected or occurring.
Extreme Cold Watch (previously Wind Chill Watch):
An Extreme Cold Watch is issued when dangerously cold air temperatures or wind chill values are possible. As with a Warning, adjust your plans to avoid being outside during the coldest parts of the day.
Extreme Cold Warning (previously Wind Chill Warning):
An Extreme Cold Warning is issued when dangerously cold air temperatures or wind chill values are expected or occurring. If you are in an area with an Extreme Cold Warning, avoid going outside.
Frost Advisory (remains the same):
A Frost Advisory means areas of frost are expected or occurring, posing a threat to sensitive vegetation.
Freeze Watch (previously Hard Freeze Watch):
A Freeze Watch is issued when there is a potential for significant, widespread freezing temperatures within the next 24-36 hours. A Freeze Watch is issued in the autumn until the end of the growing season and in the spring at the start of the growing season.
Freeze Warning (previously Hard Freeze Warning):
A Freeze Warning is issued when temperatures are forecasted to go below 32°F for a long period of time. This temperature threshold kills some types of commercial crops and residential plants, while temperatures below 28°F for an extended period of time can kill most types of commercial crops and residential plants.
In summary, Wind Chill Watch/Warning/Advisory will be consolidated into the Extreme Cold Watch/Warning and Cold Weather Advisory. Hard Freeze Watch and Warning will be consolidated into the Freeze Watch/Warning.