Cold weather can be dangerous, not just uncomfortable. Every year, cold stress leads to serious injuries and even death in the United States. From outdoor workers to elderly individuals living alone, the risks are real and growing. In this article, we explore the numbers behind cold-related incidents, explain who is most at risk, and what patterns are showing up in recent data.
Rising Numbers: National Fatality Trends
In 2023, 1,024 people in the U.S. died due to extreme cold or hypothermia. These deaths were not limited to remote or rural areas. In fact, they occurred across the country and spiked during the coldest months, especially January and February.
Looking at the long-term trend, the picture becomes more concerning. Between 1999 and 2022, more than 40,000 people lost their lives due to cold exposure. In 1999, the cold-related death rate was 0.44 per 100,000 people. By 2022, that number had more than doubled to 0.92 per 100,000. Much of this rise began after 2017, with a sharp increase in annual deaths year after year.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Cold stress affects everyone, but not equally. People over the age of 75 are at the highest risk. Their bodies lose heat faster, and they often live alone or have limited access to warm shelter. However, the biggest increases in cold-related deaths are now happening in adults aged 45 to 74.
Men are also more likely than women to die from cold exposure. This may be due to differences in clothing, behavior, or occupation. Still, it’s a serious trend that has caught the attention of public health officials.
Cold Risks on the Job
Cold stress isn’t just a problem at home. Many workers face the cold every day, especially in construction, roadwork, farming, and utilities. Between 2003 and 2019, cold exposure caused 31 deaths on the job and 2,770 serious injuries. That’s an average of 163 workers hurt each year from freezing temperatures.
In 2020, weather-related workplace deaths rose. Out of 53 total deaths, 22 were directly tied to snow, ice, or sleet. These conditions make slips, falls, crashes, and exposure far more likely. Workers who don’t have the right clothing or breaks to warm up face a serious risk.
Injuries include hypothermia, frostbite, trench foot, and chilblains. These may sound like rare conditions, but they’re common among workers outside in the winter or working in unheated warehouses or vehicles.
The Military Isn’t Immune
Even trained military personnel can suffer from cold weather injuries. Between 2019 and 2024, the U.S. Armed Forces reported rates ranging from 6.4 to 31.1 cold injuries per 100,000 person-years. That’s a major concern during training exercises and operations in cold climates.
In the 2023–2024 winter season, 456 service members were diagnosed with at least one cold injury. The Army and Marine Corps reported the highest rates. Even with access to gear and medical support, cold stress remains a serious operational challenge.
What’s Behind the Increase?
The rise in cold-related deaths and injuries isn’t just about colder winters. Several factors are making the problem worse. Homelessness has grown in many cities, leaving more people exposed to freezing conditions at night. Social isolation, especially among elderly or disabled individuals, plays a role too.
There’s also growing concern about how climate change might be affecting winter patterns. While the planet is getting warmer overall, it’s also leading to more extreme winter storms and unusual cold snaps in some areas. These events can catch people off guard and push systems beyond their limits.
Every year, most cold stress incidents happen in January, February, November, and December. Around 40% of cold-related deaths happen in January and February alone, highlighting the need for strong winter safety plans before those months begin.
Economic Impact of Cold Events
Cold stress isn’t just dangerous, it’s expensive. On average, cold weather causes 22 deaths, 171 injuries, and over $484 million in property damage annually in the U.S. These losses come from building damage, broken pipes, traffic accidents, and workplace disruptions.
Businesses with outdoor operations or unheated facilities can lose money due to slowdowns, medical leave, or lawsuits. That’s why investing in warm clothing, heating sources, and winter planning is not just about safety, it’s also smart business.
How to Prevent Cold Stress Injuries
Even though cold injuries are serious, they’re usually preventable with some key precautions. First, proper clothing is essential. Workers and individuals outdoors should wear layers, waterproof boots, and thermal gloves. Head and neck coverage also makes a big difference.
Workplaces should provide warm-up breaks, heated rest areas, and assign a buddy system when the temperature drops. Rotating workers out of the cold can reduce exposure, especially when wind chill is below freezing.
At home, checking on elderly neighbors or relatives during cold snaps can save lives. Space heaters should be used safely and only in ventilated areas to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.
Responding to an Emergency
If someone shows signs of cold stress, shivering, slurred speech, numb fingers, or confusion, act quickly. Move them to a warm space, remove wet clothing, and apply warm (not hot) compresses. Do not rub the skin if frostbite is suspected, as this can cause more damage.
Call 911 immediately if the person becomes unconscious or stops shivering, which are signs of severe hypothermia. Quick action can mean the difference between recovery and permanent damage, or worse.
Looking Ahead
Cold stress is a growing concern in the U.S., especially with more intense winter weather and an aging population. The data shows clear trends: more deaths, more injuries, and more financial losses due to freezing temperatures. From outdoor work crews to vulnerable individuals living alone, everyone has a role in winter safety.
Planning ahead, using proper gear, and staying alert to changing weather conditions can reduce these risks. While we can’t stop the cold, we can prepare for it, because every life saved in winter is one less tragedy.
