A dangerous Arctic blast is expected to hit much of the United States this weekend, bringing extreme cold that doctors say can turn dangerous in minutes, not hours.
Medical experts say the real danger comes from how fast the body loses heat in severe cold and wind. In extreme wind chills, frostbite can begin in as little as 5 to 10 minutes on exposed skin. Early hypothermia symptoms can show up within 10 to 30 minutes, especially without proper winter gear. Severe hypothermia becomes a serious risk after 30 to 60 minutes, and life-threatening conditions can develop within 1 to 3 hours, faster if someone is wet, exhausted, or unable to move.
