What is Wind Chill?
February 5, 2024
Winter can be quite cold for many areas across the country, as frigid air masses move southward from Canada. Often accompanying these cold temperatures are breezy conditions due to gradients between high and low pressure. The wind added to the already cold temperatures makes us feel colder, but why is this? And what are the dangers of exposure to this combination of temperature and wind? Most people are familiar with the term “wind chill”. It is the effect the wind has on the way we perceive the outdoor temperature. The presence of a breeze on a cold day acts to strip away body heat produced by humans and animals. A practical comparison from everyday life is blowing on hot food to cool its temperature. With our breath measuring around 98.6 degrees, blowing on a hot food or drink with a temperature well over 100 degrees would cause the temperature of the food to decrease. As a result, we prevent ourselves from being burned. In the case of our bodies, when enough heat is lost for body temperature to fall below 95 degrees, a condition known as hypothermia begins. Frostbite, the freezing of body tissue, can also occur, and happens more quickly as wind chill gets lower. This rate of heat loss is indicated by the wind chill chart, as shown below.
Using the chart, let’s consider a couple of examples. With a temperature of 0 degrees and a wind speed of 15 mph, the wind chill would be-19 degrees. Frostbite would take place in only 30 minutes for unprotected skin. What if the temperature was-20 degrees with a wind speed of 35 mph? The wind chill would be a dangerously low-55 degrees. In this case, frostbite would occur in only 5 minutes. The most obvious way to protect yourself from extreme cold is to limit time outdoors. Also important is to keep your skin dry and your body hydrated. Proper clothing can also help to prevent frostbite. Dress in layers with as much skin covered as possible. Since most heat is lost through the head, make sure to wear a warm hat of some kind. So this winter, while paying attention to the temperature, don’t forget to also factor in the wind. Beat the chill of the wind by acting to minimize heat loss in order to stay safe and comfortable
Contact AWIS | About Us