Some tips to avoid, or in case of, frostbite

It has certainly has felt like an “old-fashioned winter” across the Inland Empire this winter season. For much of last week, temperatures dipped to near or below the zero mark as a second big Arctic blast of frigid air moved into the region. Wind chills, or “feels like” temperatures were down to minus 15 to minus 20 degrees last Thursday morning. Despite the very cold temperatures, no records were broken in Coeur d’Alene.

Last month was one of the coldest we’ve seen in a while. The average temperature for December was 25.5 degrees. The normal is 28.2 degrees. We had our first day since Feb. 6, 2014, with readings below the zero mark with a low of minus 8 degrees. It was a frigid minus 5 degrees in northwest Coeur d’Alene on the 17th.

In addition to the frosty readings, we’ve also seen above normal snowfalls. At Cliff’s station, an above normal 35.4 inches of snow fell in December compared to an average of 20.6 inches. With Sunday’s expected snow, our seasonal total in Coeur d’Alene will likely be near 50 inches. For an entire season, the average total is 69.7 inches. So far, we’re still on track for around 80 to 90 inches of the white stuff for the 2016-17 season.

In terms of precipitation, which includes rain and melted snow, Cliff’s station in northwest Coeur d’Alene ended up with 34.60 inches from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 of 2016. The normal is 26.77 inches. The Spokane International Airport also ended up with above normal precipitation for 2016. Its final total was 18.30 compared to a normal of about 16.50 inches.

With the very cold weather pattern across the Inland Empire, I’ve had a few questions asking about frostbite. This is a medical condition when the skin and other tissues become damaged due to exposure to the extreme cold.

When the temperature falls below 32 degrees, blood vessels close to the skin begin to narrow to preserve the body’s temperature. When one is exposed to the cold weather for an extended period of time, the blood flow in some areas of the body is usually reduced to dangerously low levels. The combination of cold and poor blood flow will usually cause severe tissue injury.

If one were to have frostbite, the hands become numb, ear lobes burn and there’s also numbness on one’s feet and face. There is constant shivering and speech becomes slurred and sometimes incoherent. One stumbles while walking, or possibly, can’t even get to their feet. One can seem totally exhausted and drowsy.

When an individual exhibits these signs, which may be quite dangerous, immediately get them to a warmer place. Give them something warm to drink, but nothing alcoholic like whiskey or rum. Elevate their legs so that blood runs back toward the head. If this doesn’t work, see a doctor or go to the emergency room as soon as possible.

As far as frostbite is concerned, when one stops feeling the cold and wishes to sleep, one should seek immediate medical attention. Exposed body tissue, especially fingers, toes, ear lobes and the tip of one’s nose may be frozen, especially if these areas appear white or pale.

Do not rub the areas affected by frostbite with snow. The frozen tissue should be slowly warmed. Often amputation can be avoided, if the affected areas are thawed out gradually.

To avoid frostbite in these types of conditions, one should always dress warmly in loose layers of clothing during periods of extreme cold. I’ve seen a number of people in shorts and T-shirts in temperatures well below the freezing mark this winter. With this kind of weather, one should be very careful when venturing out with light clothing.

It’s also a good idea to cover one’s face and wear a hat. If socks get wet, they should be changed immediately as wet clothing usually conducts the body’s heat away from the heart and head, a very dangerous situation indeed. Never take your gloves off except for brief periods. Fingertips can begin freezing in sub-zero weather in less than 15 minutes. Mittens are better than gloves as far as keeping one’s hands warm and toasty.

As we move farther along into the second week of January, we do see more snow and chilly weather for about another week to 10 days. Then, there should be at least a brief period of milder weather during the last quarter lunar phase of Jan. 19-27. Don’t be surprised if we see some rain in the lower elevations as we sometimes get a “January Thaw” after periods of above normal snowfall and colder than normal temperatures.

Toward the end of the month and into the first week of February, we do see more snow across the Inland Empire. The rest of February should have temperatures and precipitation closer to normal levels.

Next week: 2017 has barely started and we’re seeing more wide weather “extremes.”

Contact Randy Mann at randy@longrangeweather.com