Extreme cold watch: what it means and what to do
“An Extreme Cold Watch is issued when extremely dangerous cold conditions or wind chill values are possible, but the occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain. As with a Warning, adjust your plans to avoid being outside during the coldest parts of the day. Make sure your car has at least half a tank of gas, and update your winter survival kit.”
weather.gov →Extreme Cold Watches in effect right now
No Extreme Cold Watches in effect right now.
National Weather Service data, updated Nov 2, 2026, 9:50 PM ET. Not an official warning: follow your local NWS office. All US alerts →
What to do now
- Close off rooms you do not need, stay together in one, and stuff towels into cracks under doors to keep heat in.
- Wear layers: wool, silk or polypropylene underneath, insulation in the middle, a wind-resistant outer layer. Stay dry.
- Never heat your home with a gas stove or oven. Never run generators, grills or camp stoves indoors.
- Hypothermia signs include shivering, confusion, slurred speech and drowsiness. Seek medical attention; a body temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency.
From our how to stay warm without power in winter, safely guide, which links every source.
Watch, warning or advisory?
Each in the National Weather Service's own words.
Extreme Cold Watch
“An Extreme Cold Watch is issued when extremely dangerous cold conditions or wind chill values are possible, but the occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain. As with a Warning, adjust your plans to avoid being outside during the coldest parts of the day. Make sure your car has at least half a tank of gas, and update your winter survival kit.”
Extreme Cold Warning
“An Extreme Cold Warning is issued when extremely dangerous cold conditions or wind chill values are expected or occurring. If you are in an area with an Extreme Cold Warning, avoid going outside. If you have to go outside, dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and make sure at least one other person knows your whereabouts. Update them when you arrive safely at your destination.”
Cold Weather Advisory
“A Cold Weather Advisory is issued for dangerously cold conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria. Be sure you and your loved ones dress appropriately and cover exposed skin when venturing outdoors.”
Until October 2024 this alert was called a Wind Chill Watch. NWS renamed it to make clear that cold can be dangerous with or without wind. NWS offices set their own thresholds, so the temperature or wind chill that triggers it depends on where you live.
Get ready before the next one
Also: Frozen pipes · Winter storm preparedness checklist · Power outages and older parents
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