Wind Chill Formula:
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Wind chill temperature is a measure of how cold it feels when wind is factored into the actual air temperature. It represents the perceived decrease in temperature felt by the body due to the flow of air.
The calculator uses the standard wind chill formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how wind speed affects the perception of temperature on exposed human skin.
Details: Understanding wind chill is crucial for preventing cold-related injuries like frostbite and hypothermia. It helps in proper dressing for cold weather and issuing weather warnings.
Tips: Enter temperature in Fahrenheit and wind speed in miles per hour. Wind speed must be ≥ 0 mph. The formula is valid for temperatures ≤ 50°F and wind speeds ≥ 3 mph.
Q1: Why does wind make it feel colder?
A: Wind removes the thin layer of warm air near the skin, increasing heat loss from the body.
Q2: At what wind chill does frostbite occur?
A: Frostbite can occur in 30 minutes when wind chill is below -18°F, and in as little as 10 minutes when below -34°F.
Q3: Does wind chill affect objects?
A: No, wind chill only affects living things. Objects will cool to the actual air temperature, though wind may help them reach that temperature faster.
Q4: Why is the formula only valid for certain conditions?
A: The formula was developed based on human face models in specific conditions. Its accuracy decreases outside these ranges.
Q5: Is there a different formula for Celsius?
A: Yes, there's a metric version of the formula that uses °C and km/h, but this calculator uses the standard Fahrenheit formula.