Separating Fact from Fiction When the Temperature Drops

Winter brings plenty of advice about staying warm, healthy, and safe—but not all of it holds up under scrutiny. Some commonly repeated “facts” about cold weather are based on misunderstandings, old wives’ tales, or outdated information. Let’s clear up some of the most persistent winter weather myths so you can make better decisions this season.

Myth: You Lose Most of Your Body Heat Through Your Head

This one gets repeated constantly, but it’s not true. You lose heat from any part of your body that’s exposed to cold air. Your head isn’t special—it just happens to be one of the areas people often leave uncovered.

Studies show you lose body heat proportionally based on surface area. Since your head makes up about 10% of your body’s surface, you lose roughly 10% of your heat through it. Wearing a hat helps, but so does covering your hands, neck, and any other exposed skin.

Myth: Cold Weather Makes You Sick

Going outside with wet hair or without a coat won’t give you a cold or the flu. These illnesses are caused by viruses, not cold temperatures.

The reason more people get sick in winter has to do with behavior, not the thermometer. Cold weather drives people indoors into closer contact, making it easier for viruses to spread. Dry indoor air can also dry out the protective mucous membranes in your nose and throat, making you more vulnerable to infection.

That said, extreme cold can stress your immune system and your body overall, so staying warm is still important for your general health.

Myth: Eating Snow Will Hydrate You in an Emergency

If you’re stuck in a winter survival situation, eating snow seems like an obvious solution for thirst. But it’s actually a bad idea.

Your body has to melt the snow by raising its temperature to body heat, which uses up valuable energy and can lower your core temperature—putting you at risk for hypothermia. If you need water and only have snow, melt it first using any available heat source before drinking it.

Myth: Alcohol Warms You Up

A shot of whiskey might make you feel warmer temporarily, but alcohol actually lowers your core body temperature. It causes blood vessels near your skin to dilate, creating a sensation of warmth while pulling heat away from your vital organs.

In cold conditions, drinking alcohol increases your risk of hypothermia. If you’re trying to stay warm, stick with hot non-alcoholic drinks like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.

Myth: It’s Too Cold to Snow

You’ve probably heard someone say, “It’s too cold to snow.” While extremely cold air does hold less moisture, it can snow at any temperature below freezing—even well below zero.

What people notice is that heavy snowfalls are less common in extremely cold conditions because the air is drier. But light snow can still occur, and some of the coldest places on Earth see regular snowfall.

Myth: Black Ice Only Forms at Night

Black ice—a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice on roads—can form anytime conditions are right. It gets its name because it’s so clear you can see the dark pavement underneath.

Black ice forms when temperatures hover around freezing and moisture is present. It can develop during the day, especially on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas that don’t get direct sunlight. Always drive cautiously when temperatures are near or below 32°F, regardless of the time of day.

Myth: Frostbite Only Happens After Hours of Exposure

Frostbite can develop much faster than most people realize. In extreme cold with high winds, exposed skin can develop frostbite in as little as 5 to 10 minutes.

Wind chill plays a huge role. On a calm day at 20°F, you might be fine for a while. But add strong winds, and the same temperature becomes dangerous quickly. Always check the wind chill before heading outside and cover all exposed skin in severe conditions.

Myth: You Should Pour Hot Water on Your Windshield to Melt Ice

This seems like a quick fix, but pouring hot or boiling water on a frozen windshield can cause it to crack due to the sudden temperature change. The thermal shock is especially likely if there’s already a small chip or defect in the glass.

Instead, use an ice scraper, turn on your defroster, or use a proper de-icing spray. If you’re in a hurry, lukewarm water is less risky than boiling water—but a scraper is still your safest bet.

Know the Facts, Stay Safe This Winter

Winter weather is challenging enough without adding confusion from myths and misinformation. Understanding what’s actually true helps you prepare properly, stay comfortable, and avoid unnecessary risks when temperatures drop. This season, trust the science and skip the old tales.