Wind Chill Calculator
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Wind Chill Temperature
0.0°F
Feels like 0.0°F with the wind
Risk Level
Frostbite Risk
Safety Recommendation
Understanding Wind Chill
Wind chill is the perceived decrease in air temperature felt by the human body due to the flow of air. Wind chill temperature is always lower than the air temperature for values where the formula is valid.
How Wind Chill Works
When the wind blows across exposed skin, it draws heat away from the body. The stronger the wind, the more heat is drawn away, making the air temperature feel colder than it actually is. This cooling effect is what we call wind chill.
Wind Chill Formula
The National Weather Service (NWS) uses the following formula to calculate wind chill:
Wind Chill (°F) = 35.74 + 0.6215T - 35.75(V^0.16) + 0.4275T(V^0.16)Where:
- T = Air Temperature (°F)
- V = Wind Speed (mph)
This formula is valid for temperatures at or below 50°F (10°C) and wind speeds above 3 mph.
Wind Chill Risk Categories
Wind chill temperatures can be categorized by risk level:
| Wind Chill Temperature | Risk Level | Frostbite Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Above 32°F (0°C) | Low | Minimal risk |
| 32°F to 13°F (0°C to -10°C) | Moderate | Frostbite possible with prolonged exposure |
| 13°F to -18°F (-10°C to -28°C) | High | Frostbite possible within 30 minutes |
| -18°F to -45°F (-28°C to -43°C) | Very High | Frostbite possible within 10 minutes |
| Below -45°F (-43°C) | Extreme | Frostbite possible within 5 minutes |
Cold Weather Safety Tips
When wind chill temperatures are low, follow these safety tips:
- Dress in layers with insulating fabrics
- Cover exposed skin, especially your face, hands, and head
- Stay dry, as wet clothing accelerates heat loss
- Limit your time outdoors in extreme conditions
- Be aware of the symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia
- Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle during winter
Frostbite and Hypothermia
Wind chill increases the risk of cold-related health issues:
Frostbite
Freezing of skin and underlying tissues, most common on extremities.
Symptoms:
- Cold, prickling feeling
- Numbness
- Red, white, bluish-white or grayish-yellow skin
- Hard or waxy-looking skin
- Blistering after rewarming
Hypothermia
Dangerous drop in body temperature below 95°F (35°C).
Symptoms:
- Shivering
- Slurred speech or mumbling
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Weak pulse
- Clumsiness or lack of coordination
- Drowsiness or very low energy
- Confusion or memory loss
- Loss of consciousness