Wind Chill Calculator

Calculate how cold it actually feels outside by combining air temperature and wind speed. Wind chill helps you understand the perceived temperature your body experiences in cold weather conditions.

What is Wind Chill?

Wind chill is the perceived decrease in air temperature felt by the body on exposed skin due to wind flow. When wind blows across exposed skin, it disrupts the warm air layer next to your skin, causing your body to lose heat faster through convection.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter the wind speed in your preferred unit (mph, km/h, m/s, or knots)
2. Input the air temperature (Fahrenheit, Celsius, or Kelvin)
3. The calculator will show you:
   • The wind chill temperature
   • Potential risk level
   • Time to frostbite (if applicable)

Understanding Wind Chill Risk Levels

Wind Chill Temperature	Risk Level	Safety Concerns
Above 32°F (0°C)	Low	Minimal risk
32°F to 15°F (0°C to -10°C)	Moderate	Dress warmly
15°F to -15°F (-10°C to -25°C)	High	Risk of hypothermia with prolonged exposure
-15°F to -50°F (-25°C to -45°C)	Very High	Risk of frostbite on exposed skin
Below -50°F (-45°C)	Extreme	Dangerous conditions, stay indoors

Frostbite Risk Levels

The time it takes for frostbite to occur depends on the wind chill temperature:

• Above 5°F (-15°C): Low risk
• -5°F to -15°F (-20°C to -26°C): 30 minutes
• -15°F to -25°F (-26°C to -32°C): 10 minutes
• -25°F to -35°F (-32°C to -37°C): 5 minutes
• Below -35°F (-37°C): Under 5 minutes

Cold Weather Safety Tips

1. Dress in Layers

   • Inner layer: moisture-wicking material
   • Middle layer: insulating material (fleece/wool)
   • Outer layer: wind/waterproof material

2. Protect Exposed Skin

   • Wear a hat that covers your ears
   • Use a scarf or neck gaiter
   • Wear insulated gloves or mittens
   • Use warm, waterproof boots

3. High-Risk Situations

   • Limit outdoor activities in extreme cold
   • Stay dry and change wet clothing immediately
   • Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle
   • Check on elderly neighbors and vulnerable people

Signs of Cold-Related Health Issues

Frostbite Symptoms:

• Numbness or tingling
• White or grayish-yellow skin
• Firm or waxy feeling skin

Hypothermia Warning Signs:

• Shivering
• Exhaustion
• Confusion
• Fumbling hands
• Memory loss
• Slurred speech

Technical Notes

• This calculator uses the National Weather Service (NWS) wind chill formula
• Most accurate for:
  • Temperatures at or below 50°F (10°C)
  • Wind speeds above 3 mph (4.8 km/h)
• Formula: Wind Chill = 35.74 + 0.6215T - 35.75(V^0.16) + 0.4275T(V^0.16)
  • Where T = Air Temperature (°F)
  • V = Wind Speed (mph)