Wind Chill Calculator

- May 10, 2025
| |

Calculate the wind chill temperature based on air temperature and wind speed. Wind chill represents how cold it actually feels on your skin when the wind is factored in.

Temperature

Wind Speed

Display Options

Understanding Wind Chill

Wind chill is the perceived decrease in air temperature felt by the human body due to the flow of air. It measures the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by the combined effects of low temperature and wind.

How Wind Chill Works

The human body normally maintains its surface temperature through the boundary layer of warm air created by our body heat. Wind disrupts this boundary layer, causing heat to be carried away more rapidly. This accelerated heat loss makes it feel colder than the actual air temperature.

Wind Chill Formula

The modern wind chill formula used in the United States and Canada since 2001 is:

Wind Chill (°F) = 35.74 + 0.6215T - 35.75(V0.16) + 0.4275T(V0.16)

Where T = Air Temperature (°F) and V = Wind Speed (mph)

Frostbite Risk

Frostbite is the freezing of skin and underlying tissues. The wind chill temperature can be used to estimate the risk of frostbite to exposed skin:

  • Low Risk: Wind chill above 0°F (-18°C)
  • Moderate Risk: Wind chill between 0°F and -19°F (-18°C to -28°C)
  • High Risk: Wind chill between -20°F and -39°F (-29°C to -39°C)
  • Extreme Risk: Wind chill below -40°F (-40°C)
Limitations

Wind chill calculations only apply to people and animals. It does not apply to inanimate objects like car radiators or water pipes because these items cannot maintain a constant temperature above the surrounding air temperature. Additionally, the formula is most accurate for temperatures at or below 50°F (10°C) and wind speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h).

What Is the Wind Chill Calculator?

The Wind Chill Calculator is a handy tool designed to help you understand how cold it feels outside. It calculates the wind chill temperature based on the air temperature and wind speed. Wind chill tells us how chilly the air feels on our skin, especially when the wind picks up. Knowing the wind chill can be important for dressing appropriately during cold weather.

Why Is Wind Chill Important?

Wind chill affects how we experience temperature. It can help us prepare for the outdoor conditions. Here are a few reasons why understanding wind chill matters:

  • It helps you dress warmly enough for outdoor activities.
  • It can prevent frostbite or hypothermia in extreme conditions.
  • It aids in planning safe outdoor events, like Sports or hikes.

How to Use the Wind Chill Calculator

Using the Wind Chill Calculator is simple. You just need to enter the current air temperature and wind speed. After entering these values, the calculator will provide you with the wind chill temperature. It may also show you how it feels outside and any frostbite risks.

Understanding the Wind Chill Formula

The Wind Chill Calculator uses a specific formula for its calculations. This formula combines the air temperature in Fahrenheit with the wind speed in miles per hour. It gives a better idea of how cold it feels. The key formula used is:

Wind Chill (°F) = 35.74 + 0.6215T - 35.75(V0.16) + 0.4275T(V0.16)

Staying Safe with Wind Chill Information

Knowing the wind chill can help keep you safe from the cold. It’s crucial to be aware of frostbite risks. Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Low Risk: Wind chill above 0°F (-18°C).
  • Moderate Risk: Wind chill between 0°F and -19°F (-18°C to -28°C).
  • High Risk: Wind chill between -20°F and -39°F (-29°C to -39°C).
  • Extreme Risk: Wind chill below -40°F (-40°C).

What Results Will You Get?

When you use the Wind Chill Calculator, you'll receive several important results. These include the wind chill temperature, how it feels, and the risk of frostbite. Each of these results helps you understand the cold better and prepares you for your time outside.

Additional Features of the Calculator

The Wind Chill Calculator offers advanced options to customise your experience. You can choose how many decimal places to display in your results. Plus, you can opt to view the formula used in the calculations and even see a wind chill table for more detailed insights. Each feature makes the calculator more user-friendly and informative.

Learn More About Wind Chill

Understanding wind chill is more than just numbers. It’s about how the temperature and wind combine to affect you. The Wind Chill Calculator helps demystify these effects. By learning about wind chill, you can better prepare for cold weather and ensure your safety in outdoor activities.