History of Extreme cold warning in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 16, 2026

An extreme cold warning is a weather alert issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and the United States' National Weather Service (NWS). It is used to notify the public about current or expected dangerously cold temperatures in their area. These warnings are important for public safety, prompting individuals to take precautions against frostbite, hypothermia, and other cold-related health risks. The warnings serve as a crucial communication tool, enabling people to prepare for and mitigate the potential hazards associated with severe cold weather conditions.

January 10, 2011: Extreme Cold Warning used

On January 10, 2011, the Extreme Cold Warning was actively in use.

April 15, 2011: Extreme Cold Warning discontinued

On April 15, 2011, the Extreme Cold Warning was discontinued.

April 2014: ECCC replaced "wind chill warning" with "extreme cold warning"

In April 2014, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) replaced the "wind chill warning" system with a new "extreme cold warning" system, changing the criteria for issuing warnings based on temperature or wind chill values.

October 30, 2018: National Weather Service announced consolidation of warnings

On October 30, 2018, the National Weather Service announced the consolidation of the Extreme Cold Warning and the Wind Chill Warning into a single Extreme Cold Warning, based on survey feedback.

January 2024: Consolidation of warnings confirmed at AMS 2024 meeting

In January 2024, the consolidation of the Extreme Cold Warning and Wind Chill Warning was confirmed at the AMS 2024 meeting.

October 1, 2024: NWS replaced "wind chill warning" with "extreme cold warning"

On October 1, 2024, the National Weather Service (NWS) replaced the "wind chill warning" with the "extreme cold warning".

October 2024: NWS implemented changes to wind chill and hard freeze warnings

In October 2024, the National Weather Service (NWS) officially implemented changes to its wind chill and hard freeze warnings, watches, and advisories (WWAs) as part of its "Hazard Simplification initiative" to improve messaging of winter hazards.