National Weather Service Updates Cold Weather Terminology

The National Weather Service is rebranding its cold weather alerts in Iowa, shifting from 'Wind Chill Warning' to 'Extreme Cold Warning' and 'Wind Chill Advisory' to 'Cold Weather Advisory'. This change aims to emphasize that cold temperatures are hazardous regardless of wind conditions, with specific criteria set for each advisory based on geographical location. An Extreme Cold Watch will be issued when extremely low temperatures are anticipated within 24 to 48 hours, while Cold Weather Advisories will warn of dangerous conditions expected within 24 hours. Meanwhile, Ketchikan, Alaska is seeing lighter rains after a period of heavier precipitation, and Environment and Climate Change Canada is preparing to discuss significant weather events from 2024 in an upcoming media availability.