How to Calculate Wind Chill
What is Wind Chill?
Wind chill is the perceived decrease in air temperature felt by the body on exposed skin due to wind. Wind accelerates heat loss from the body, making it feel colder than the actual air temperature.
Formula
Wind chill ≈ 35.74 + 0.6215T − 35.75×(V^0.16) + 0.4275T×(V^0.16) where T is temp(°F), V is wind(mph)
- WC
- Wind Chill (°F)
- T
- Air Temperature (°F)
- V
- Wind Speed (mph)
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1WC = 35.74 + 0.6215T − 35.75V^0.16 + 0.4275T×V^0.16 (°F)
- 2WC = 13.12 + 0.6215T − 11.37V^0.16 + 0.3965T×V^0.16 (°C)
- 3V = wind speed in mph (or km/h for Celsius formula)
- 4Formula valid for T ≤ 50°F (10°C) and V > 3 mph
Worked Examples
Input
20°F air temperature, 15 mph wind
Result
Feels like 6°F — frostbite risk in 30 minutes
Input
−10°C, 30 km/h wind
Result
Feels like −22°C — frostbite risk in 10 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
What does wind chill actually measure?
Wind chill is the apparent temperature a body feels due to wind cooling the skin. It's not an actual temperature, but how cold it feels.
At what wind speed does wind chill plateau?
Above approximately 50 mph, wind chill increases very slowly. At 35 mph, you've captured most of the effect.
Why do I need to know wind chill?
Wind chill helps assess frostbite risk. Below −20°F wind chill, exposed skin can freeze in under 30 minutes.
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