Carmel Winter Games canceled due to extreme cold

Submitted by City of Carmel

With the safety of residents, participants, and staff in mind and with the expert guidance from the Carmel Fire Department and the National Weather Service, city officials have determined that the projected conditions present a significant health risk for outdoor activities.

Due to forecasted extreme temperatures and dangerous wind chill values, the City of Carmel has made the difficult decision to cancel the Carmel Winter Games scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24.

Current data indicates that temperatures and wind chills have reached thresholds where outdoor exposure becomes hazardous:

• Frostbite risk: At wind chill values of –10°F, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. At –20°F, that window shrinks to 15 minutes or less.
• Hypothermia: Prolonged exposure significantly increases the risk of hypothermia, even for those dressed in appropriate winter gear.
• Vulnerable populations: OSHA and CDC guidance note that sustained outdoor activity is particularly unsafe for children, older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions.
• Operational safety: Extreme cold impairs dexterity and reaction times, which can hinder emergency response capabilities during the event.

“While we share the community’s disappointment, holding an outdoor public event under these conditions would present an unreasonable and preventable risk,” Marketing and Community Relations Director Kelly Douglas said. “This cancellation is a proactive step to protect our attendees, volunteers and emergency responders.”