Wind Chill Index
The National Weather Service Wind Chill Temperature index is designed to accurately calculate how cold air feels on human skin. This index is based on heat loss from exposed skin.
The Wind Chill Chart (see below) includes a frostbite indicator that shows the points where temperature, wind speed and exposure time will produce frostbite on people. The chart includes three shaded areas of frostbite danger. Each shaded area shows how long (30, 10 and 5 minutes) a person can be exposed before frostbite develops.
For example, a temperature of 0 degrees F and a wind speed of 15 mph will produce a wind chill temperature of -19 degrees F. Under these conditions, exposed skin can freeze in 30 minutes.
Click here for a clearer chart. [PDF]
The wind chill temperature index:
- Uses wind speed calculated at the average height of the human body’s face (five feet), instead of 33 feet (the standard anemometer height).
- Incorporates modern heat transfer theory (the body loses heat to its surroundings during cold and windy days).
- Lowers the calm wind threshold from 4 mph to 3 mph.
- Uses a consistent standard for skin tissue resistance.
- Assumes no impact from the sun (clear night sky).
What is Wind Chill Temperature?
The wind chill temperature is how cold people and animals feel when outside. Wind chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by wind and cold. As the wind increases, it draws heat from the body, driving down skin temperatures and eventually the internal body temperature. Therefore, the wind makes it feel much colder.
What is Frostbite?
Frostbite is an injury to the body when your body tissue freezes. The most susceptible parts of the body are the extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, or the top of the nose. Symptoms include a loss of feeling in the extremity and a white or pale appearance. Medical attention is needed immediately for frostbite. The area should be slowly re-warmed.
What is Hypothermia?
Hypothermia is abnormally low body temperature (below 95 degrees F). Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. Medical attention is needed immediately. If it is not available, begin warming the body slowly.
Tips on How to Dress during Cold Weather
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Trapped air between the layers will insulate the body. Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent and hooded.
- Wear a hat because 40 percent of your body heat can be lost from your head.
- Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
- Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.
- Try to stay dry and out of the wind.
The Ohio Department of Transportation is Working for Winter to ensure that Ohio’s economic engine never stops running, even when snow and ice blanket our state.