Wind Chill Calculator
Calculate the wind chill temperature based on actual air temperature and wind speed. Wind chill refers to how cold the air feels on exposed skin due to wind.
Enter Weather Conditions
Range: -60°C to 50°C
Only applies for wind speeds > 4.8 km/h
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Enter weather conditions and click calculate to see the wind chill index.
About Wind Chill Calculator
What is Wind Chill?
Wind chill is the apparent temperature felt on exposed skin due to the combined effect of air temperature and wind speed. It is not actually how cold the air is, but how cold it feels when wind is taken into account. Wind removes the thin layer of warm air that surrounds your body, making it feel colder than it actually is.
Key Features of Wind Chill
- Combines air temperature and wind speed to calculate perceived temperature
- Only applies when temperature is below 0°C (32°F)
- Wind speeds must exceed 4.8 km/h (3 mph) to have an effect
- Helps determine frost bite risk and safety guidelines
Benefits of Understanding Wind Chill
- Better preparation for outdoor activities in cold weather
- Understanding health risks associated with extreme cold
- Making informed decisions about winter clothing and exposure time
How to Use the Wind Chill Calculator
Using this calculator is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to get accurate wind chill measurements.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Enter the current air temperature in your preferred unit (Celsius or Fahrenheit)
- Select your temperature unit from the dropdown menu
- Enter the wind speed and select its unit (km/h, mph, m/s, or knots)
- Click 'Calculate Wind Chill' to get your results
Helpful Tips
- Wind chill is most relevant for temperatures below 0°C (32°F)
- Accurate wind measurements are important for reliable wind chill calculations
- Use measured wind speed rather than guessing for better accuracy
Wind Chill Formula
The wind chill formula combines air temperature and wind speed to calculate how cold the air feels on exposed skin. The North American wind chill formula is the most widely used internationally.
North American Wind Chill Formula
This formula calculates wind chill in degrees Celsius when air temperature is below 0°C and wind speed exceeds 4.8 km/h.
Variables in the Formula
- WC: Wind Chill temperature in degrees Celsius
- T: Air temperature in degrees Celsius
- V: Wind speed in kilometers per hour (km/h)
Important Notes About the Formula
- The formula is valid for temperatures between -50°C and 0°C
- Wind speeds must be greater than 4.8 km/h for the formula to apply
- For temperatures above 0°C or calmer winds, wind chill equals the actual air temperature
Wind Chill Examples
Here are some real-world examples showing how wind chill is calculated and how it affects perceived temperature.
Example 1: Moderate Cold with Light Wind
Given:
- Air temperature: -5°C
- Wind speed: 20 km/h
Calculation:
WC = 13.12 + 0.6215(-5) - 11.37(20)^0.16 + 0.3965(-5)(20)^0.16 = -12.9°C
Result: Wind chill temperature is -12.9°C, making it feel about 8°C colder than the actual temperature
Example 2: Cold with Moderate Wind
Given:
- Air temperature: -15°C
- Wind speed: 40 km/h
Calculation:
WC = 13.12 + 0.6215(-15) - 11.37(40)^0.16 + 0.3965(-15)(40)^0.16 = -27.0°C
Result: Wind chill temperature is -27.0°C, creating dangerous conditions for prolonged outdoor exposure
Example 3: Very Cold with Strong Wind
Given:
- Air temperature: -30°C
- Wind speed: 60 km/h
Calculation:
WC = 13.12 + 0.6215(-30) - 11.37(60)^0.16 + 0.3965(-30)(60)^0.16 = -52.5°C
Result: Wind chill temperature is -52.5°C, representing extreme danger with frostbite possible within minutes
Frequently Asked Questions About Wind Chill
Get answers to common questions about wind chill, how it's calculated, and how it affects your health and safety.
What's the difference between wind chill and actual temperature?
Wind chill is how cold the air feels on exposed skin due to wind, while actual temperature is the true air temperature. Wind removes the insulating layer of warm air around your body, making it feel colder. Wind chill cannot make the air colder than the actual temperature.
At what temperature does wind chill matter?
Wind chill is most relevant when temperatures are below 0°C (32°F). Above this temperature, wind has minimal effect on how cold it feels. Additionally, wind speeds must exceed 4.8 km/h (3 mph) for wind chill to be calculated.
How quickly can frostbite develop?
The speed of frostbite development depends on the wind chill temperature and wind speed. At -40°C wind chill, frostbite can develop on exposed skin in 10-30 minutes. At -50°C or colder, frostbite can occur in just 5-10 minutes. At extremely low wind chills below -60°C, frostbite can occur in minutes.
Can wind chill be higher than the actual temperature?
No, wind chill cannot be higher than the actual air temperature. It can only equal or be lower than the actual temperature. Wind removes heat from exposed skin, making it feel colder, never warmer.
Is wind chill the same everywhere?
No, wind chill varies based on local wind conditions and temperature. Sheltered areas may have lower wind speeds and therefore higher wind chill temperatures than exposed areas. It's important to check local forecasts for accurate wind chill information in your specific location.