What does winter wind chill actually mean?

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

It can be tough enough to get out of bed on cold winter days. Sometimes, our local meteorologists make it even harder when they mention the wind chill factor, which can make an already cold day suddenly feel that much colder. 

What exactly is wind chill or the wind chill factor? What does it really mean with respect to the forecast and our fashion choices that day? 

Your SERVPRO team is here with the answer and standing by to help clean up any storm damage accompanying that winter wind chill. 

How is the Wind Chill Defined?

The wind chill factor is a feeling defined by a formula. In other words, when we talk about wind chill, we’re referring to just how cold the weather will feel, not just to us, but our beloved pets as well. 

Wind chill is determined by how fast exposed skin loses heat because of the wind. With increased wind your body loses heat reducing skin temperature, followed by your body’s overall internal temperature. 

Here’s an example: on a 35-degree Fahrenheit day with winds of 25 miles per hour, the actual temperature will feel like it’s eight degrees, and that’s how fast your body will lose heat; in other words, much faster than if it was actually 35 degrees

It’s wise to pay attention to wind chill because when the wind chill falls to 40 degrees below zero, exposed skin can freeze in under 10 minutes. 

Winter storms present plenty of hazards. Fortunately, your local SERVPRO MA team is simply a call away. Contact SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich when you need storm clean up and storm remediation services.