National Weather Service forecasts arctic cold front to bring extreme cold temperatures to Detroit area Thursday Night through Sunday

• Low temperatures to drop below zero
• Dangers of extreme cold include frostbite and hypothermia
  

The National Weather Service is forecasting that an arctic cold front will bring extreme cold temperatures to the Detroit area Thursday night through Sunday, with single digit high temperatures forecast for Friday and Saturday and low temperatures below zero. Dangerous wind chills may fall below -15 degrees Saturday and Sunday.

People should limit their time outside and take precautions to protect themselves against the extreme cold. Extreme cold weather dangers include frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite can occur when fingers, cheeks, ears, toes, or even the tips noses are exposed to sub-freezing temperatures for a prolonged period of time.

Frostbite signs: Numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, firm or waxy skin.

Actions: If any portion of your body becomes numb due to the cold, go indoors immediately, remove any wet clothing, and slowly warm the affected area. Soak in warm water. Use body heat to warm. Warm under dry layers of blankets and clothing. Do not massage or use a heating pad.

Hypothermia is potentially even more dangerous. This health hazard is defined as the lowering of the body temperature below 95 degrees. Warning signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, or drowsiness.

Actions: Go to a warm room. Warm the center of the body first-chest, neck, head and groin. Keep dry and wrapped up in warm blankets, including the head and neck. If the body temperature drops below 95 degrees, get medical attention immediately.

For more safety tips and resources related to extreme cold, visit Ready.gov or detroitmi.gov/dhsem and search "winter weather."