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Extreme Cold Snaps
Preliminary assessments indicate the changing weather patterns may increase extreme cold weather events, such as a polar vortex. Scientists suggest that as the Arctic ice melts, the weakening of the concentrated cold air in that region allows the cold air mass to dip to the south. This phenomenon may result in lengthy periods of subzero temperatures which can affect the health and wellbeing of people, plants, and animals as well as the integrity of infrastructure.
Who and What Will be Affected
Compared with other parts of the country, Wisconsin is well-positioned for extreme cold experienced in what is now called a “polar vortex.” However, when discussing options for resilience and adaptation, it is critical to consider these episodic events in the context of warmer and wetter conditions. Extreme cold coupled with warmer temperatures results in a 120-degree range of temperatures. For example, the selection of road construction materials will need to withstand this temperature range. Similarly, selecting trees and other plant species suited to warmer summers should be species that can survive during bitterly cold temperatures. Fortunately, measures taken to insulate buildings will provide benefits during the entire range of extreme temperatures.
Greater Energy Consumption and Power Loss
When extreme cold temperatures occur in Wisconsin, energy consumption increases to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Occasionally, energy systems are stressed and may lead to brown-outs or rolling black-outs. Diversified energy sources and systems, including micro-grids, can provide resiliency for households, businesses, and municipalities. See the Energy theme for more ideas.
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Equity & Environmental Justice
Equity & Environmental Justice – Equity and justice should be included with each part of the menu. As you explore each menu, consider the most vulnerable populations within your community. Be sure to include and prioritize these groups as you develop and plan your efforts.
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- Prepare warming shelters in your community. Oftentimes, a community’s most vulnerable populations don’t have easy access to heat and/or shelter. Develop and carry out outreach strategies to elderly, infirmed, and homeless residents.
- Increase response to animal welfare reports:
- A diverse group of collaborators representing tribal, academic, intertribal and government entities in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, developed a framework to integrate indigenous and traditional knowledge, culture, language and history into the climate adaptation planning process.
Education & Information
Education & Information – provides education and information ideas and resources. These are intended to be some of the first steps a community can take to address certain subsections.
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- Learn about polar vortexes:
- Explore hazards, assess vulnerability and risk, investigate options, prioritize and plan, take action:
- Plan for preparedness and response to extreme cold events:
Low-Cost Strategies
Low-Cost Strategies – are focused on strategies and accompanying resources that usually will not require intensive staff capacity, fiscal resources, and maybe done through staff decisions.
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- Educate the public on how to conserve electricity during extreme cold:
- Plan for tree and plant species that can survive a wide range of temperatures:
- Address the changes in growing degree days, plant hardiness zones, and heat zones in the region:
Significant Resource Deployment
Significant Resource Deployment – are strategies that may require more staff capacity, increased fiscal resources, and larger, possibly cohesive decisions.
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- Assess road construction materials and plan for accommodations to higher temperatures and low temperatures:
- Retrofit existing buildings to be energy efficient and insulate during extreme temperatures:
Celebrating Successes
Celebrating Successes – are actions and strategies for communities to celebrate and keep the momentum going. They will help address positive outcomes of previous strategies taken and inspire further action.
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- Conduct demonstrations, tours, and presentations showcasing some of the successful projects that highlight climate mitigation and adaptation practices, such as identifying retrofitted buildings for energy efficiency, especially local government buildings.
Grants & Funding
Grants & Funding – help communities support actions through financial means such as grants and other resources.
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- BRIC is a new FEMA pre-disaster hazard mitigation program that replaces the existing Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program. It provides aid for hazard mitigation projects:
- Utilize the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs:
- Regional programs such as CAP services and municipal programs.
