Feeling the Chill—Understanding the Impact of Extreme Cold

Night sky with northern lights. Pine trees covered in snow.

Extreme cold events aren’t just numbers on a thermometer—they affect how we live, work, and stay healthy. The air feels sharper, your fingers might go numb in minutes, and staying outside too long can lead to serious health risks. To truly understand these risks, we need to look beyond the temperature and consider how the cold impacts our bodies.