Wind Chill Calculator
Calculate how cold it feels when wind is factored with air temperature. Get frostbite risk assessments and safety recommendations based on National Weather Service formulas.
Air Temperature
Wind Speed
Input Summary
Temperature: 32° F
Wind Speed: 15 mph
21.6°F
Wind Chill Temperature
(-5.8°C • 267.4K)
Increasing danger - flesh may freeze with prolonged exposure
Wind Chill in Different Units
Similar to a cool autumn day
What is Wind Chill Calculator?
Wind chill measures how cold air feels on human skin when factoring in wind speed. As wind increases, it carries heat away from your body more quickly, making the air feel much colder than the actual temperature. This calculator uses the official formula developed by the National Weather Service (NWS).
How Wind Chill Works
Your body warms the air immediately around your skin. In still air, this creates an insulating layer. Wind removes this warmed air and replaces it with cold air, increasing heat loss. The stronger the wind, the more heat is carried away, making you feel colder.
NWS Wind Chill Formula
Wind Chill = 35.74 + 0.6215×T - 35.75×V^0.16 + 0.4275×T×V^0.16
Where:
- T = Air temperature (°F)
- V = Wind speed (mph)
- Valid for T ≤ 50°F and V ≥ 3 mph
Frostbite Risk Levels
Low Risk (Above 15°F)
- • Little danger for properly clothed person
- • Normal outdoor activities safe
- • Standard winter clothing adequate
High Risk (Below -15°F)
- • Exposed flesh freezes in 10 minutes
- • Extreme danger to health
- • Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure
Practical Applications
- Weather forecasting and public safety warnings
- Outdoor activity planning and safety
- Construction and industrial work scheduling
- Agricultural frost protection planning
- Winter sports and recreation safety
- Emergency preparedness and response
- HVAC and building energy calculations
- Transportation and logistics planning
Safety Guidelines
Hypothermia Warning Signs:
- Uncontrollable shivering
- Loss of coordination
- Confusion or slurred speech
- Drowsiness or exhaustion
If you experience these symptoms, seek warm shelter immediately and get medical help.
