Welcome Back to the Deep Freeze: Tips on Staying Warm

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Jan. 19, 2009 -- He's wearing a ski jacket, thick gloves, a hat and a sweatshirt, but Shalen Tejwani is still freezing. "The only way I could be any colder right now," said the Syracuse University freshman, "is if I was covered in snow."

For students across the country, returning to school for spring semester with temperatures hovering around zero was not exactly what they had in mind.

"The day before I came back to school I was driving in my car with the windows down. It was 75 degrees," said Carrie Leneweaver, an SU sophomore from Arizona. "Next day, I got off the plane in Syracuse, and it was 10 and snowy. Total shock."

January is often one of the coldest months in winter, but the past week has posted even more extreme temperatures than usual. The country has been gripped by frigid temps that have meteorologists pointing their fingers at only one thing: an Alberta Clipper.

According to the National Weather Service, it's a fast-moving, low-pressure system that moves southeast out of Canada, which means strong winds and freezing temperatures for just about anyone living in the Midwest and Northeast of the United States. Depending on where it originates, a clipper can be called a Saskatchewan Screamer or a Manitoba Mauler. And, while it might sound more like a school mascot than a weather system, the recent clipper isn't giving college kids anything to cheer about.

"I walk with my head down," SU senior Patrick Santomauro explained, "and I zip my coat up all the way so it covers my mouth. But some people just stop walking because it's so cold. I don't think they're too happy right now."

Shivering students will have to put up with the big chill for a little bit longer. Temperatures are expected to get even lower over the next few days, before climbing back into the 20s and 30s. You can check out your local forecast here.

"Colder than this?" SU student Rudolph Sohl said, raising his eyebrows, his breath making little white clouds in the icy air. "I couldn't even imagine it. I didn't know it could get any colder."

So, if you're heading to the presidential inauguration or just walking to class, here are a few tips to keep the chill out.

Bundle Up. Dress in layers and always wear gloves, a scarf and a hat when going outside. Wearing thermal shirts and turtlenecks will keep in heat, and windproof coats with hoods block the wind. The bottom line: You might look funny, but at least you're warm, which is more than you can say for the girl in the miniskirt in your chem lab.

Dry Out. Make sure that those soggy socks and gloves come right off as soon as possible. Nothing chills the body quicker than wet clothing. The bottom line: Wetter is definitely not better.

Read the Signs. If you are shivering a lot, have any pain or redness in your skin, or feel tired and confused, get inside ASAP! These are all signs of frostbite or hypothermia, both of which are extremely dangerous. Keep an eye on your cheeks, nose, ears and fingers; these can be especially at risk. The bottom line: Subzero weather is not the best time to make a snow angel.

Give Wet the Boot. In the extreme cold, a sturdy pair of waterproof boots can be your best friend. Not only will they keep your feet dry, but you can rock some cool winter trends. The bottom line: Leave the sandals at home.

For a full list of tips on how to stay warm, check out the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's full winter cold guide .