Wind Chill Calculator

Wind chill applies to people and animals. Inanimate objects do not receive a wind chill temperature below the actual air temperature. ¹

Enter the readings, then read wind_chill as the returned wind chill temperature. The page expects the units shown by its controls. ²

The wind chill temperature is only defined for temperatures at or below 50°F and wind speeds above 3 mph. Outside them, the calculator refuses to answer and displays: "Winds need to be above 3 MPH and below 110 MPH." and "Temperatures need to be above -50°F and at or below 50°F" ²

The page computes this Fahrenheit formula:

wind_chill = 35.74 + 0.6215 * air_temperature - 35.75 * wind_speed ^ 0.16 + 0.4275 * air_temperature * wind_speed ^ 0.16

Here, air_temperature is air temperature, and wind_speed is wind speed. The authority's notation calls these values T and V. ¹

The safety chart gives this worked row: "0 °F, 15 mph → -19 °F". ¹

This page returns wind_chill only.

If you suspect frostbite, move inside and warm affected areas using warm water or body heat. Do not use hot water or radiant heat, because affected areas can burn easily. Seek medical attention for severe frostbite. ⁴

Hypothermia is a serious health hazard when body temperature falls below 95°F. Move the person inside and warm the center of the body first. If the person is unconscious, administer CPR. ⁴

Official NWS warning and advisory criteria are set locally. In Rochester, NY, an Extreme Cold Warning applies when apparent temperature with or without wind reaches -25°F or lower. An advisory applies when air temperature or wind chill falls between -15°F and -24°F. ¹

During extreme cold, dress in layers and cover exposed skin. Seek shelter from wind while outside. Once inside, change into dry clothing immediately if wet. ⁴

Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing with hats and blankets. Drink plenty of fluids, and avoid caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes. ⁴

Wind speed is calculated at an average height of 5 feet. It uses readings from the national standard height of 33 feet. Those heights represent a typical adult face and a typical anemometer. ¹

The method incorporates heat transfer theory based on heat loss from the body to its surroundings. It uses a consistent standard for skin tissue resistance. ¹

The formula sheet offers W/m2 as an alternate wind chill unit. It uses air temperature in °C and wind speed in m/s:

WindChill = (12.1452 + 11.6222 × √Wind_sfc − 1.16222 × Wind_sfc) × (33 − T)

The supplied material does not define W/m2 beyond presenting it as an alternate wind chill unit. ³

Wind and cold increase this heat loss, which makes you feel colder. ¹

Use the right units and stay inside the calculator's range. For the standard formula, the temperature must be above -50°F and at or below 50°F. Wind must be above 3 mph and below 110 mph. ²

Enter 0°F and 15 mph. The wind chill is -19°F, and exposed skin can freeze in 30 minutes at that wind chill. ¹