2014 Winter Classic Weather Report: Forecast Calls For Extreme Cold

Dec 31, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf (3) during practice the day before the Winter Classic hockey game against the Detroit Red Wings at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The weather could present problems for the players in the 2014 Winter Classic. According to weather.com their is a winter weather advisory that extends through the games start time at 1:00 pm.

The advisory issued by the National weather Service calls for severe cold and 4-6 inches of snow that could cause visibility problems. Couple that with the projected 12 degree game time temperature and you have a weather picture that will look more like a NFL playoff game in Green Bay than a mid-season hockey game.

The weather on New Years Day will cause problems for those attending the classic as well. Fans planning on attending the game should get an early start as the roads should be covered with snow prior to game time. This could cause traffic back-ups for those trying to get into the stadium.

The Winter Classic weather report is in extreme contrast to the weather during the outdoor Great Lakes Invitational. The championship game for the GLI had to be postponed due to warm weather and sunshine.

The normal parking areas surrounding Michigan Stadium could be snow-covered and icy and the trek to the stadium could be equally as treacherous.

Fans planning on tailgating prior to the game should dress for extreme cold. Fans should take precautions to avoid frost bite and hypothermia.

There will be warming stations set up around the Stadium and as Fox News Detroit reports, it is a good idea to get warmed up when the shivering starts

"Shivering is a first sign that things are not doing well. You may feel tingling or numbness to your hands or feet. That’s a sign that you may be developing a cold-weather injury to your skin,” he says. He adds alcohol will dehydrate you and could make injuries worse. He recommends heading to a warming station as soon as you start to shiver. The last thing that you want to do is go warm your hands up, thaw them out so to speak, and then go back out. Because the second injury is worse than the first,”Read more: http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/24331116/how-to-battle-the-cold-temps-at-the-winter-classic-activities#ixzz2p7KfhI4s"

So enjoy the Winter Classic but be cautious. Nothing can spoil a good time more than a severe case of hypothermia.

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