Winter Weather

Minnesota winters are known for stretches of bitter cold, with average temperatures often in single digits, even falling well below freezing. Wind chills can also push conditions into dangerous territory, quickly becoming life-threatening for anyone exposed to the elements.

Frostbite and hypothermia can set in faster than many people realize. The best way to avoid any danger is to stay indoors. However, for our housing insecure and unsheltered neighbors, this time of year is especially dangerous. No one should have to endure winter without a safe, warm place to stay.

The City of Saint Paul and Ramsey County work in partnership with community organizations to support residents during periods of extreme cold.

Dial 211 (or 651-291-0211) for 24/7 connection to local social services for emergency housing, shelter, and other needs.

Resources & Shelter Information

Overnight Winter Warming Spaces

Winter Warming Spaces provide a short-term overnight place for people who may not have access to shelter during periods of extreme cold. These spaces offer warmth, basic amenities, and a safer alternative to remaining outside overnight.

Women and Men (Single Adults)

Holy Christian Church International
125 Stevens Street West, Saint Paul
Hours: Nightly from 9 p.m.-7 a.m.

There are separate entrances and spaces for men and women.

Youth (18-24) and Families

Central Presbyterian Church
500 Cedar Street, Saint Paul
Hours: Nightly from 9 p.m.-7 a.m.
Transportation is available through the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office.

Entrance: If facing the church on Cedar Street, turn right (south, away from the State Capitol Building). Take the ramp/walkway down toward the parking lot and enter through the main entrance. You will see the name of the church and lobby when you arrive.

Please note: If arriving by car, guests can use the parking lot located at 77 9th Street East. It is accessible only from 9th Street, not Cedar Street. This is a shared lot with Minnesota Public Radio and a nearby hotel. Because the lot is shared, it is only available to park in during overnight hours. All cars must depart by 7 a.m.

Daytime Shelter Support

Listening House (Single Adults)
421 East 7th Street, Saint Paul

Day shelter and drop-in community center providing hospitality, practical assistance, and guidance for adult individuals who are experiencing housing instability or homelessness. Learn more about the services provided.

Safe Zone (Youth 14-24)
130 East 7th Street, Saint Paul
Hours: Weekdays 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Daytime drop-in center for youth to find housing support, meals, case management services, and recreation. Learn more about the services provided.

Emergency Shelter (Single Adults)

If you're a single adult and experiencing homelessness or seeking emergency shelter, contact Ramsey County's Shelter Entry & Diversion Team.

Saint Paul Opportunity Center
422 Dorothy Day Place (second floor), Saint Paul
ShelterEntry@RamseyCounty.us
651-266-1050

In person or by phone: Monday-Friday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Phone only: Monday-Friday: 4-9:30 p.m.
Weekends: 1:30-9:30 p.m.

Connect with Local Organizations

There are many organizations across our community that support our unsheltered neighbors with compassionate outreach, critical resources, and access to safe shelter. Whether someone needs warm clothing, transportation, a place to stay, or help navigating long-term services, these partners are here to connect people with the support they deserve.

Winter Weather Safety Topics

**Windchill Temperature Chart**
Wind Speed (mph)	Temperature (°F)
Calm	35	30	25	20	15	10	5	0	-5	-10	-15	-20	-25	-30	-35
5	31	25	19	13	7	1	-5	-11	-16	-22	-28	-34	-40	-46	-52
10	27	21	15	9	3	-4	-10	-16	-22	-28	-35	-41	-47	-53	-59
15	25	19	13	6	0	-7	-13	-19	-26	-32	-39	-45	-51	-58	-64
20	24	17	11	4	-2	-9	-15	-22	-29	-35	-42	-48	-55	-61	-68
25	23	16	9	3	-4	-11	-17	-24	-31	-37	-44	-51	-58	-64	-71
30	22	15	8	1	-5	-12	-19	-26	-33	-39	-46	-53	-60	-67	-73
35	21	14	7	0	-7	-14	-21	-27	-34	-41	-48	-55	-62	-69	-76
40	20	13	6	-1	-8	-15	-22	-29	-36	-43	-50	-57	-64	-71	-78
45	19	12	5	-2	-9	-16	-23	-30	-37	-44	-51	-58	-65	-72	-79
50	19	12	4	-3	-10	-17	-24	-31	-38	-45	-52	-60	-67	-74	-81
55	18	11	4	-3	-11	-18	-25	-32	-39	-46	-54	-61	-68	-75	-82
60	17	10	3	-4	-11	-19	-26	-33	-40	-48	-55	-62	-69	-76	-84

Frostbite occurs in:

30 minutes

10 minutes

5 minutes

Example: when the temperature is 15°F and the wind speed is 30 miles per hour, the windchill, or how cold it feels, is -5°F.

From the CDC-

What is hypothermia?

Hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature) and frostbite are both dangerous conditions that can happen when a person is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Stay safe this winter by learning more about hypothermia and frostbite, including who is most at risk, signs and symptoms, and what to do if someone develops hypothermia or frostbite.
Hypothermia is caused by prolonged exposures to very cold temperatures. When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it’s produced. Lengthy exposures will eventually use up your body’s stored energy, which leads to lower body temperature.
Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. This makes hypothermia especially dangerous, because a person may not know that it’s happening and won’t be able to do anything about it.
While hypothermia is most likely at very cold temperatures, it can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40°F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.
Hypothermia is a medical emergency. If you notice any of the above signs, take the person’s temperature. If it is below 95° F, get medical attention immediately!

Who’s most at risk?
Victims of hypothermia are often:

Older adults with inadequate food, clothing, or heating
Babies sleeping in cold bedrooms
People who remain outdoors for long periods—the homeless, hikers, hunters, etc.
People who drink alcohol or use illicit drugs.

What are the signs and symptoms of hypothermia?
The following are warnings signs of hypothermia:

Adults:

Shivering
Exhaustion or feeling very tired
Confusion
Fumbling hands
Memory loss
Slurred speech
Drowsiness

Babies:

Bright red, cold skin
Very low energy

What is frostbite?
Frostbite is a type of injury caused by freezing. It leads to a loss of feeling and color in the areas it affects, usually extremities such as the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation (removing the affected body part)

You may have a greater chance of developing frostbite if you have poor blood circulation or are not properly dressed for extremely cold temperatures

If you notice redness or pain in any skin area, get out of the cold or protect any exposed skin—frostbite may be beginning. Any of the following signs may point to frostbite:

A white or grayish-yellow skin area
Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
Numbness
A person who has frostbite may not know they have it until someone else points it out because the frozen parts of their body are numb.
If you notice signs of frostbite on yourself or someone else, seek medical care. Check to see if the person is also showing signs of hypothermia. Hypothermia is a more serious condition and requires emergency medical care.

Each year, snow shoveling leads to approximately 100 deaths and 11,500 injuries and medical emergencies that require treatment in an emergency department.
- Most injuries occur from either overexertion while shoveling or slipping and falling on ice.
- The most common injuries are bumps, bruises, cuts and broken bones.
- The lower back, head, arms and hands are injured most often.
- People 55 years of age and older are more likely to be hurt due to a fall or to have heart-related symptoms, including chest pain and cardiac arrest.
- Among patients who receive emergency treatment for a snow shoveling-related problem, men 55 years of age and older are twice as likely as women of the same age to get snow shoveling-related heart symptoms.
- Injuries occur when children use a shovel the wrong way or use them during play instead of for shoveling snow.
- Among patients who receive emergency treatment for a snow shoveling-related problem, children under 18 years of age are 15 times more likely than adults to be hurt from being hit with a snow shovel.
Snow Shoveling Safety Information
When is ice safe? There really is no sure answer. You can't judge the strength of ice just by its appearance, age, thickness, temperature, or whether or not the ice is covered with snow. Strength is based on all these factors. In addition the depth of water under the ice, size of the water body, water chemistry and currents, distribution of load on the ice and local climate conditions all play a factor.
- New ice is usually stronger than old ice. Four inches of clear, newly-formed ice may support one person on foot, while a foot or more of old, partially-thawed ice may not.
- Ice seldom freezes uniformly. It may be a foot thick in one location and only an inch or two just a few feet away.
- Ice formed over flowing water and currents is often dangerous. This is especially true near streams, bridges and culverts. Also, the ice on outside river bends is usually weaker due to the undermining effects of the faster current.
- The insulating effect of snow slows down the freezing process. The extra weight also reduces how much weight the ice sheet can support. Also, ice near shore can be weaker than ice that is farther out.
- Booming and cracking ice isn't necessarily dangerous. It only means that the ice is expanding and contracting as the temperature changes.
- Know What to Do if You Fall In: If you find yourself in a situation where the ice breaks and you fall in, remain calm. Keep your head above water, turn toward the direction you came from, and use your ice picks or claws to grip the ice’s edge. Kick your legs to propel yourself up and out of the water, rolling away from the hole.
Learn more from the MN DNR: Ice Safety
Ready.gov Winter Weather Information