Wind Chill Calculator
Adjust the inputs below. Results update as you type.
How it works
NWS wind chill formula (valid for T ≤ 50°F and wind > 3 mph): WC = 35.74 + 0.6215T − 35.75V^0.16 + 0.4275T×V^0.16. At −10°F with 30 mph wind, wind chill is −39°F. Frostbite risk: 30 minutes at −20°F wind chill; 10 minutes at −40°F. Wind chill doesn't affect inanimate objects below air temperature—it only affects living skin through convective heat loss.
Input guidance
- Confirm date/time/unit settings before comparing outputs.
- If a task has optional fields, run both with and without them to understand impact.
- Save scenario variants when making practical decisions.
The formula
NWS wind chill (T ≤ 50°F, wind > 3 mph): WC = 35.74 + 0.6215T − 35.75V^0.16 + 0.4275T·V^0.16, with T in °F and V in mph.
Worked example
At 20°F with a 25 mph wind, the wind chill is about 3°F — far colder than the air temperature feels.
More examples to test
- Quick-pass example: run default assumptions for a first estimate.
- Refined example: update one assumption at a time to isolate impact.
How to interpret results
Use outputs as operational estimates and pair them with local constraints, business rules, or provider requirements.
When this can be inaccurate
Utilities can miss local policy details, special-case rules, and environment-specific constraints.
Change history
- July 2026: Quality-reviewed for publication with formula checks and explanatory copy updates.
Site-wide corrections also appear on the corrections log.
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General recommendation, not professional advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is wind chill?+
The 'feels-like' temperature caused by wind stripping heat from exposed skin faster than still air, increasing frostbite risk.
Does wind chill affect objects?+
No. It only describes heat loss from warm skin. Inanimate objects cannot cool below the actual air temperature from wind alone.
When is frostbite a risk?+
At very low wind chills, exposed skin can freeze in minutes. Cover up and limit exposure when wind chills drop well below zero.
Why are outputs slightly different from another tool?+
Different tools can use different rounding rules, default assumptions, and treatment of edge cases.
How can I improve estimate reliability?+
Use verified inputs from real records and re-run calculations after major assumption changes.