New Year's Eve is upon us, and it's going to be a cold one for Atlantans. Locals may endure record-breaking temperatures, and it's important to stay protected in the freezing conditions.
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It should be around 30 degrees when 2018 checks in at 12 a.m. The New Year’s Day is forecast to be the coldest in Atlanta since 2002, when the low was at 22 degrees, according to Channel 2 meteorologist Katie Walls. Monday’s expected low is now projected at 23.
There’s a lot of fun to be had, but make sure you’re taking proper precautions when stepping outside. Here are a few tips.
Layer your clothing.
You may be tempted to trade your winter gear for not-so-warm evening attire, but wear appropriate clothing. This should include "a tightly woven, preferably wind-resistant coat or jacket with inner layers of light, warm clothing," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests.
Don’t forget the essential accessories. Mittens, hats, scarves and boots are strongly encouraged as well.
Beware of frostbite and hypothermia.
Frostbite is an injury to the skin and body tissues caused by extreme cold, while hypothermia occurs when the body reaches an abnormally or dangerously low temperature. Take a peek at the symptoms for both below, according to the CDC.
Frostbite
- Cold skin and a prickling feeling
- Numbness
- Red, white, bluish-white or grayish-yellow skin
- Hard or waxy-looking skin
- Clumsiness
Hypothermia
- Shivering
- Slurred speech or mumbling
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Weak pulse
- Clumsiness
Alcohol can mask the cold.
If you believe booze will warm you up, think again. In fact, it can cause your body to lose the heat it needs, which can increase your risk for hypothermia, the CDC says.
So why do you feel hot while drinking?
Your blood vessels dilate, and sends warm blood away from your core and to your skin. While it’s a temporary effect, it could prevent your body from fighting off the cold.
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