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Wind chill calculator
How cold does it really feel — and how fast can exposed skin freeze?
Risk levels (Environment and Climate Change Canada)
| Wind chill | Risk |
|---|---|
| 0 to −9 | Low riskSlight increase in discomfort. |
| -10 to -27 | Moderate riskRisk of hypothermia and frostbite after long periods outdoors without enough protection. |
| -28 to -39 | High riskExposed skin can freeze in 10 to 30 minutes. Check your face and fingers for numbness or whiteness. |
| -40 to -47 | Very high riskExposed skin can freeze in 5 to 10 minutes. |
| -48 to -54 | Severe riskExposed skin can freeze in 2 to 5 minutes. |
| −55 and colder | Extreme riskExposed skin can freeze in less than 2 minutes. Outdoor conditions are hazardous. |
What wind chill means
Wind carries heat away from your skin, so it feels colder than the thermometer says. The wind chill index, used by both Canada and the US since 2001, gives the temperature that would feel the same on bare skin with no wind. It is not the temperature of objects — a car engine will not cool below the air temperature — but it tells you how fast frostbite and hypothermia can set in.
Dress in layers, cover your face, ears and hands, and stay dry. Watch for numb or white skin on the face and fingers: that is frostbite starting.
For planning and general information. In an emergency, follow the instructions of your local authorities and call your emergency number (911, 112, 999 or 000).
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Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada, Wind Chill Index and the National Weather Service wind chill formula.