Wind Chill Calculator - Calculate Perceived Temperature

Wind Chill Calculator

The Wind Chill Calculator determines how cold it feels outside based on air temperature and wind speed. Wind chill is the perceived decrease in air temperature felt by the body due to the flow of air, making it feel colder than the actual temperature.

Weather Conditions

Temperature Unit

Fahrenheit (°F)Celsius (°C)

Air Temperature (°F)

Wind Speed Unit

Wind Speed (mph)

Quick Examples

Wind Chill Results

Wind Chill Temperature

23.7°F

Feels Like Difference

8.3° colder

Wind Speed (mph)

10.0 mph

Wind Chill Chart

Temp	5 mph	10 mph	15 mph	20 mph	25 mph
40°F	36	34	32	30	29
30°F	25	21	19	17	16
20°F	13	9	6	4	3
10°F	1	-4	-7	-9	-11
0°F	-11	-16	-19	-22	-24
-10°F	-22	-28	-32	-35	-37
-20°F	-34	-41	-45	-48	-51
-30°F	-46	-53	-58	-61	-64

How to Use the Wind Chill Calculator

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Select your preferred temperature unit (Fahrenheit or Celsius)
2. Enter the actual air temperature
3. Choose the wind speed unit
4. Enter the wind speed
5. View the calculated wind chill temperature and safety warnings

Quick Tips

• Wind chill only applies when temperatures are below 50°F (10°C)
• Higher wind speeds increase the cooling effect
• Use the safety warnings to plan outdoor activities
• The chart shows wind chill values for common conditions

Understanding Wind Chill

What is Wind Chill?

Wind chill is the perceived decrease in air temperature felt by the body on exposed skin due to the flow of air. It represents how cold it actually feels outside when wind is factored in with the temperature.

How It Works

Wind increases the rate of heat loss from exposed skin by carrying away the thin layer of warm air that surrounds your body. The faster the wind speed, the more rapidly heat is carried away, making you feel colder.

Safety Considerations

Extreme wind chill can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. Always dress appropriately for the wind chill temperature, not just the air temperature, especially during outdoor activities.

Wind Chill Formula

National Weather Service Formula (Fahrenheit)

WC = 35.74 + 0.6215T - 35.75(V^0.16) + 0.4275T(V^0.16)

Where: WC = Wind Chill (°F), T = Air Temperature (°F), V = Wind Speed (mph)

Metric Formula (Celsius)

WC = 13.12 + 0.6215T - 11.37(V^0.16) + 0.3965T(V^0.16)

Where: WC = Wind Chill (°C), T = Air Temperature (°C), V = Wind Speed (km/h)

Applications

Weather Forecasting

Meteorologists use wind chill to provide more accurate "feels like" temperatures in weather reports.

Outdoor Activities

Hikers, skiers, and other outdoor enthusiasts use wind chill to plan appropriate clothing and safety measures.

Workplace Safety

Construction and outdoor workers use wind chill calculations to determine safe working conditions and break schedules.

Emergency Planning

Emergency services use wind chill data to issue cold weather warnings and plan response strategies.

Example Calculations

Example 1: Cold Winter Day

Air Temperature: 20°F (-6.7°C)

Wind Speed: 15 mph (24 km/h)

Wind Chill: 2°F (-16.7°C)

Feels Like: 18° colder than actual temperature

Example 2: Extreme Conditions

Air Temperature: -10°F (-23.3°C)

Wind Speed: 25 mph (40 km/h)

Wind Chill: -35°F (-37.2°C)

Feels Like: 25° colder than actual temperature

Frequently Asked Questions

At what temperature does wind chill apply?

Wind chill is only calculated when the air temperature is at or below 50°F (10°C) and wind speeds are above 3 mph (4.8 km/h). Above these thresholds, the cooling effect is minimal.

How accurate is the wind chill calculation?

The National Weather Service formula is based on extensive research and provides accurate estimates for most conditions. However, individual perception can vary based on clothing, activity level, and personal factors.

Can wind chill cause frostbite?

Yes, extreme wind chill can lead to frostbite in exposed skin within minutes. Wind chill values below -18°F (-28°C) can cause frostbite in 30 minutes or less.