Home / Weather News /

Why do we shiver when we are cold?

07:00
30 January 2022

Weather myths
Why do we shiver when we are cold?

When the temperature drops the human body has a number of ingenious ways of helping combat the chill. One of which is to begin shivering, so does it actually work?

Shivering is an involuntary response created when nerve impulses are sent across the skeletal muscles to cause rapid contractions.

While it can feel uncomfortable it is an efficient way of warming your body temperature, studies suggest shivering can triple the body’s heat production.

You may also notice that your body:

  • Constricts blood vessels near the skin to retain heat
  • Decreases the rate of sweating
  • Increases the metabolic rate
More on the topic
Weather map showing a thunderstorm cell and lightning over the east coast of Queensland.
Tuesday, 25 November 2025

Severe thunderstorms

Huge hailstorm hits eastern Australia
Weather radar map of the UK and Ireland showing widespread blue precipitation bands with temperatures near major cities, overlaid by a large cloud with two blue raindrops.
Tuesday, 2 December 2025

Close to record-breaking

A wet autumn season in the books
Split image showing an alpine winter landscape and a European weather map with snow and rain areas.
Monday, 1 December 2025

Winter begins today

Wintry weather only in a few places
All weather news
This might also interest you
Monday, 25 August 2025

Bank holiday outlook

Warm day turning gusty in places
Split weather map showing UK wind speeds in orange-red shades up to 40 mph on the left and warning levels in green-yellow on the right, with a central wind warning sign.
Wednesday, 22 October 2025

Warnings active

Storm Benjamin impacts the UK
Sunday, 17 August 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Summer shots from a warm week
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwittertikToklinkList