Wind Chill Calculator

Calculate the “feels like” temperature based on air temperature and wind speed using the official National Weather Service (NWS) and Environment Canada wind chill formula. This tool helps you understand how cold conditions actually feel on exposed skin and assess potential safety risks during cold and windy weather.

What Is Wind Chill?

Wind chill represents the perceived decrease in air temperature caused by wind removing heat from the human body. Even when the air temperature remains constant, higher wind speeds accelerate heat loss from exposed skin, making conditions feel significantly colder than what a thermometer shows.

In practical terms, wind chill explains why a calm 30°F day can feel manageable, while the same temperature with strong winds may feel dangerously cold.

How the Wind Chill Calculator Works

This calculator applies the official Wind Chill Temperature Index developed by the National Weather Service and Environment Canada. The formula is scientifically validated and widely used by meteorologists worldwide.

Wind Chill Formula

Wind Chill (°F) = 35.74 + 0.6215T − 35.75(V^0.16) + 0.4275T(V^0.16)

Where:

T = Air temperature in degrees Fahrenheit (°F)
V = Wind speed in miles per hour (mph)

The calculator automatically converts units when needed and applies the formula accurately to deliver reliable results.

Formula Validity and Accuracy

The wind chill formula is scientifically valid only under specific conditions:

Air temperature is 50°F (10°C) or lower
Wind speed is 3 mph (5 km/h) or greater

When conditions fall outside this range, wind chill is not officially defined. In such cases, the calculator provides an estimated value for informational purposes only.

Understanding Your Results

Safety Score (0–100)

The calculator generates a Safety Score that summarizes overall outdoor risk based on wind chill severity.

Score Range	Risk Level	What It Means
85–100	Safe	Comfortable cold conditions
65–84	Cool	Dress warmly
45–64	Risky	Full winter gear recommended
25–44	Danger	Limit exposure time
0–24	Extreme	Avoid outdoor exposure

This score helps users quickly understand whether conditions are suitable for outdoor activity.

Frostbite Risk by Wind Chill

Prolonged exposure to cold, windy conditions can lead to frostbite. The table below shows estimated frostbite risk based on wind chill values:

Wind Chill Temperature	Estimated Frostbite Risk
Above 20°F	Low risk
0°F to 20°F	30 minutes or longer
−20°F to 0°F	10–30 minutes
−40°F to −20°F	5–10 minutes
Below −40°F	Under 5 minutes

Risk Assessment Checklist

The Wind Chill Calculator evaluates multiple safety factors, including:

Temperature Assessment – Is the air temperature above or below freezing?
Wind Chill Impact – How much colder does it feel due to wind?
Frostbite Risk – Likelihood of exposed skin injury
Hypothermia Risk – Potential for dangerous drops in core body temperature
Formula Applicability – Whether official wind chill standards apply

Cold Weather Safety Tips

Signs of Frostbite

Numbness or tingling
Pale, white, or grayish-yellow skin
Skin that feels firm, waxy, or unusually cold

Signs of Hypothermia

Intense or uncontrollable shivering
Confusion, drowsiness, or memory loss
Slurred speech
Loss of coordination

Prevention Guidelines

Dress in layers – Use moisture-wicking base layers, insulating middle layers, and windproof outer layers
Protect extremities – Cover hands, feet, ears, and face
Stay dry – Wet clothing drastically reduces insulation
Limit exposure time – Take warming breaks indoors
Monitor weather conditions – Stay informed before outdoor activities

Data Sources and Methodology

This calculator is based on authoritative meteorological research and public safety data from:

National Weather Service (NWS)
Environment Canada
NOAA Wind Chill Charts and Guidelines

Disclaimer

This wind chill calculator is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and individual tolerance to cold varies. Always use sound judgment and consult official weather advisories when making safety decisions.