Millions in the US are facing record-breaking cold temperatures as cold air from the Arctic blasts across vast swathes of the country and reaches as far as the Gulf Coast. This is the coldest Christmas season in 40 years, reports say.
The cold air blowing in from Canada is likely to develop into a storm that will impact central and eastern US. Heavy snow, strong winds could lead to blizzard conditions and rain could bring even cold temperatures.
The bone-chilling temperatures forecast for the brutal week ahead are life-threatening. In such conditions, hypothermia (when the body loses heat faster than it is produced) sets in much faster.
Reports say that the mercury will dip so low in some places that frostbite could begin in as little as five minutes on exposed skin.
How does hypothermia feel?
Without the optimum temperature, the human body cannot function. If the body temperature drops from the normal 98.6 degrees F to about 95 degrees, the body begins to shut down – the heart, the brain, the lungs and other internal organs slow down.
As the heart rate slows and breathing becomes shallower, drowsiness and confusion set in. It is impossible for a person to survive this condition without rapid rewarming, experts say. The slowed down bodily functions lead to poor blood circulation to the brain, heart and extremities, which becomes fatal.
Hypothermia can settle in even less than 5 minutes at minus 50 degree F temperatures if you are not dressed properly. Exposed skin, including uncovered scalp, hands, fingers or face is dangerous. At 30 degree F below zero, hypothermia can set in in about 10 minutes.
The danger of frostbite
Another risk of sub-zero temperatures is frostbite. Anything left uncovered like the nose, the chin, the ears, the fingers or the toes can develop a frostbite – a condition where a person’s skin freezes. Even skin covered by gloves, a hat and other warm layers are vulnerable. Numbness, tingling or burning sensations could be serious and experts advise seeking help immediately in such a case.
When it is freezing cold outside, the air is extremely dry, and will draw moisture from your body causing you to lose fluids more quickly.
Those with underlying health conditions like asthma can feel tightening of the airways, wheezing and coughing.
Meanwhile, authorities in the US have been scrambling to open warming centers in libraries and police stations. Temporary shelters for the homeless were also being expanded.
