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Wind Chill Calculator

Calculate the wind chill temperature and frostbite risk time using the National Weather Service formula. Understand how wind makes cold temperatures feel even colder.

About this Calculator

Calculate the wind chill temperature and frostbite risk time using the National Weather Service formula. Understand how wind makes cold temperatures feel even colder.

Formula & Calculations

Formula

WindChill(°F) = 35.74 + 0.6215T − 35.75(V^0.16) + 0.4275T(V^0.16), where T in °F and V in mph
Where:
  • T=Air temperature in Fahrenheit (or Celsius, converted internally)
  • V=Wind speed in miles per hour (or km/h, converted internally)
  • WindChill=The perceived temperature on exposed skin due to wind
  • Frostbite Risk=Estimated time for frostbite to occur on exposed skin

Assumptions

  • The NWS wind chill formula is valid for temperatures at or below 50°F and wind speeds above 3 mph.
  • Wind chill temperature reflects the cooling effect on exposed human skin, not inanimate objects.
  • Frostbite risk times are estimates based on standard wind chill categories.
  • The formula does not account for solar radiation; direct sunlight can make it feel 10-15°F warmer.

Calculation Examples

Example 1

Inputs:Temperature = 20°F, Wind Speed = 20 mph
Result:Wind Chill: 3.9°F, Frostbite Risk: 30 minutes

WindChill = 35.74 + 0.6215(20) − 35.75(20^0.16) + 0.4275(20)(20^0.16) ≈ 3.9°F.

Example 2

Inputs:Temperature = 0°F, Wind Speed = 15 mph
Result:Wind Chill: −19.2°F, Frostbite Risk: 15 minutes

At −19°F wind chill, frostbite can occur in about 15 minutes on exposed skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does wind chill affect my car or water pipes?

No. Wind chill describes how cold it feels on exposed skin, but it does not affect inanimate objects. A car radiator or water pipe will cool to the actual air temperature, not the wind chill temperature, though wind can speed up the cooling process.

At what temperature does frostbite become a concern?

The risk of frostbite increases significantly when the wind chill temperature drops below −18°F (−27°C). At −19°F, exposed skin can freeze in about 30 minutes. Below −55°F, frostbite can occur in under 2 minutes.