ORLANDO, Fla. – How is wind chill calculated — and why does it matter?
Ever notice it feels way colder outside than the thermometer says? That’s wind chill at work.
Wind chill is calculated using a formula that combines air temperature and wind speed.
Think of it as the “feels-like” temperature — how cold your skin actually feels when the wind is pulling heat away from your body. The formula only applies when temperatures are 50 degrees or colder and winds are above 3 mph, and it’s based on scientific studies of how wind affects human skin.
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So when you see a wind chill value, it’s showing you how quickly your body is losing heat — not just the air temperature.
Why do we use wind chill?
Wind chill helps us understand how fast frostbite or hypothermia could happen. The stronger the wind, the faster your body loses heat, making it feel much colder in a hurry. One important note: wind chill applies to people, not pets or pipes.
What should you do during cold weather alerts?
When the National Weather Service issues a Cold Weather Advisory, Freeze Watch or Freeze Warning, it’s time to take it seriously. The best move is to stay indoors during the coldest hours, bring pets inside, and protect sensitive plants.