Wind Chill Calculator: Feels-Like Temperature and Frostbite Risk
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The wind chill is how cold the air feels on bare skin. At 20 °F with a 15 mph wind it feels like 6 °F.
A temperature of 20°F with a wind of 15 mph feels like 6°F, which is 14 degrees colder. Low risk for most people. Dress for the cold.
Same temperature at other wind speeds
| Wind | Feels like |
|---|---|
| 5 mph | 13°F |
| 10 mph | 9°F |
| 15 mph | 6°F |
| 20 mph | 4°F |
| 25 mph | 3°F |
| 30 mph | 1°F |
| 40 mph | −1°F |
| 50 mph | −3°F |
Show the steps
- Convert to °F and mph if needed: 20.0 °F, 15.0 mph.
- Wind chill = 35.74 + 0.6215 T − 35.75 V^0.16 + 0.4275 T V^0.16 = 6.2 °F.
NWS wind chill index
WC = 35.74 + 0.6215 T − 35.75 V^0.16 + 0.4275 T V^0.16
T in °F, V in mph. Valid for T ≤ 50 °F and V ≥ 3 mph
- The formula is the National Weather Service index, based on the heat loss from exposed skin.
- Wind chill does not change the actual temperature of objects. It matters for people and animals.
Estimates for planning and learning, not financial, tax, legal or medical advice. Check figures with your lender, tax preparer or doctor before you act.
About this calculator
Wind carries heat away from your skin faster than still air, so a cold day feels colder when it is windy. The National Weather Service wind chill index measures that effect.
It works for temperatures at or below 50 °F (10 °C) and wind speeds of at least 3 mph (about 5 km/h). The calculator also shows the same temperature at other wind speeds so you can see how fast the feels-like value falls.
How to use it
- Choose °F and mph or °C and km/h.
- Enter the air temperature and the wind speed.
- Read the wind chill and the risk, and check the table for other wind speeds.
Cold-weather risk
When the wind chill drops below about −20 °F, frostbite can start on exposed skin in around 30 minutes. Below about −35 °F it can take 10 minutes or less. Cover exposed skin and limit time outdoors.
Worked example
At 20 °F with a 15 mph wind: 35.74 + 0.6215 × 20 − 35.75 × 15^0.16 + 0.4275 × 20 × 15^0.16 = 6 °F.
Sources
Quick check: test yourself
Wind chill describes…
Correct answer: How cold the air feels on exposed skin. It combines temperature and wind to show the rate of heat loss from skin.
At a fixed temperature, stronger wind makes the wind chill…
Correct answer: Lower. More wind removes heat faster.
Wind chill is defined for temperatures at or below…
Correct answer: 50 °F. The NWS index is valid at or below 50 °F with wind of at least 3 mph.
Pick an answer for each question.
Common questions
How is wind chill calculated?
With the NWS formula: 35.74 + 0.6215 T − 35.75 V^0.16 + 0.4275 T V^0.16, with T in °F and V in mph.
Does wind chill apply above 50 °F?
No. The index is only defined at or below 50 °F.
Does wind chill change the actual temperature?
No. It describes how cold it feels to people and animals.
When can frostbite happen?
At wind chills below about −20 °F, frostbite can occur on exposed skin within 30 minutes.
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