Everything You Need to Know About Wind Chill

Everything You Need to Know About Wind Chill

Whipping winds can make cold weather conditions feel unbearable. Especially during the winter months, wind chill makes a big impact on how you’ll feel when you’re outdoors---even when the sun is shining! But what is wind chill and how does it affect the human body?

What is Wind Chill?

Wind chill is the measurement of how cold it actually feels outside. Even if the temperature is 30 degrees F outside, it might feel much colder depending on wind chill.

This wind chill chart from the National Weather Service expresses the air temperature along with wind speed. These are rough temperature estimates as there is no way to measure subjective wind chill temperature. In the US, wind chill is calculated using the above formula.

While actual air temperature doesn’t change due to the wind, wind chill does have a major impact on the survival rate of humans in cold temperatures.

Why is Wind Chill Important?

The concept of wind chill was developed during the 1970s during an Antarctic exploration. During World War II, explorers wanted to know how the human body loses heat in response to cold temperatures. In fact, the entire concept of wind chill is tied to human body temperature.

In 2001, the concept of wind chill was updated to how we understand it today, and it still serves to protect humans from cold temperatures. High winds in cold temperatures deplete the body of its heat and pose the risk of hypothermia.

With consequences of hypothermia ranging from shivering to loss of consciousness, staying informed of wind chill and dressing appropriately can help save lives.

Measuring and Preparing for Dangerous Wind Chills

The way that you dress can keep you safe during deadly wind chill. The best type of clothing to wear when you’re concerned about wind chill includes:

  • Layer up in materials such as wool, silk, and polyester.
  • Four layers are ideal including a vest to keep your core warm and something waterproof. on the outer layer. Waterproof is also windproof.
  • Keep chemical hand warmers in your pockets.
  • Stay away from cotton clothing because it soaks up water.

While you can watch your local news to learn about wind chill, you can use Kestrel weather meters to get down-to-the-minute data on wind chill.

When it comes to measuring wind chill, you can’t go wrong with our meters such as Kestrel 5000. This device is amongst the most accurate for giving wind chill measurements to keep you safe, no matter if you’re exploring Antarctica or you’re just trying to stay warm during a Minnesota winter.

By relying on Kestrel weather meters, you’re one step ahead of dangerous wind chill conditions and can keep yourself warm until the spring season arrives.

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