Home / Other / Wind Chill Calculator
Wind Chill Calculator
Calculate how cold it feels with wind. Know when frostbite risk is extreme.
Current Weather
Why Wind Chill Matters
Your body creates a thin layer of warm air around your skin. Wind blows this away, exposing you to cold air constantly. That's why 10°F with 30 mph wind feels like -9°F—and frostbite becomes a real danger in minutes.
🚨 Frostbite Warning Signs
Watch for:
- Numbness or loss of feeling
- White or grayish-yellow skin
- Hard or waxy feeling skin
- Blisters (after rewarming)
Get to warm shelter. Do NOT rub the area. Warm with body heat or lukewarm (not hot) water.
Frostbite Risk Timeline
- 0°F to -20°F: Frostbite possible in 30 minutes on exposed skin.
- -20°F to -40°F: ❄️ Frostbite likely in 10-30 minutes. Minimize outdoor time.
- -40°F to -60°F: 🧊 Frostbite in 5-10 minutes. Stay indoors.
- Below -60°F: 🧊 Extreme Danger. Frostbite in under 5 minutes. Do not go outside.
💡 Expert Tip from Sarah Jenkins, RD
"Wind chill below 0°F? Your morning run can wait. I've treated athletes with frostbitten ears and fingertips from 'just 20 minutes' outside. Treadmills exist for a reason."
How to Stay Safe in Extreme Cold
1. Layer Up: Base layer (moisture-wicking) + insulation layer + windproof outer shell.
2. Cover Extremities: Fingers, toes, ears, nose freeze first. Wear insulated gloves, thick socks, hat that covers ears.
3. Stay Dry: Wet clothing loses 90% of insulation. Sweat is the enemy. Unzip jacket if overheating.
4. Limit Time Outside: Below -20°F wind chill, stay indoors. If you must go out, limit to 10 minutes.
5. Watch for Hypothermia: Shivering, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness. Get warm immediately.
⚠️ The "I'm From Minnesota" Myth
Being "used to cold" doesn't change physics. Wind chill of -30°F causes frostbite in 10 minutes whether you're from Miami or Minneapolis. Your tolerance for discomfort ≠ frostbite immunity.
When to Cancel Outdoor Plans
Wind Chill 0°F to -20°F: Limit outdoor activity. Plan for shorter duration.
Wind Chill -20°F to-40°F: Cancel non-essential outdoor activities.
Wind Chill below -40°F: Stay inside. Schools close. Only emergency travel.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring the wind: "It's 20°F, not that cold." With a 30mph wind, it feels like 0°F. Frostbite can happen in 30 minutes. Always dress for the WIND CHILL, not the air temp.
- Wet clothes: Wind chill charts assume DRY skin. If you are wet (sweat or rain), your body loses heat 25x faster. Wet + Wind = Hypothermia danger zone, even in "mild" cold.
- Covering everything but the face: Your nose and cheeks are most susceptible to frostbite. In high wind chill, wear a scarf or balaclava. Exposed skin freezes fast.
🔗 Embed This Calculator
Add this wind chill calculator to your outdoor blog:
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is wind chill?
Wind chill is how cold it feels when wind is factored in. 30°F with 20 mph wind feels like 17°F because wind strips heat faster.
At what wind chill does frostbite occur?
Below -20°F, frostbite in 30 minutes. Below -40°F, frostbite in 10 minutes. Below -60°F, frostbite in 5 minutes or less.
What are the signs of frostbite?
Numbness, white/grayish skin, hard or waxy skin, blisters. Get to warm shelter. Warm with body heat or lukewarm water (not hot).
Why does wind make you colder?
Wind blows away the warm layer of air your body creates around your skin, exposing you to cold air constantly.