Wind Chill: The Basics
Pay attention to the wind chill. It’s the combination of wind and low temperature for conditions that can lead to hypothermia and frostbite, and it can be deadly.
Wind chill, reported by the National Weather Service, takes into account heat loss from your body to its surroundings during cold and windy weather. The calculation utilizes wind speed and temperature. Wind chill values near minus 25 degrees mean that frostbite is possible within 15 minutes.
Frostbite
Frostbite is the freezing of your skin and the tissue just beneath it. Your fingers, toes, nose and ears are most often affected first because of lower blood circulation. You lose feeling in the affected area when frostbite starts, and the frozen tissue will take on a pale appearance. If you suspect frostbite, hold the area closely against warm skin to return blood flow and warmth.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a dangerously low body temperature and is the most common winter killer. Hypothermia deaths can occur even with temperatures between 30 and 50 degrees. If your clothing is wet, then hypothermia becomes even more likely.
The warning signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, slurred speech, and drowsiness. Hypothermia requires immediate medical attention.
The National Weather Service has issued severe wind chill warnings for most of this week. To learn more about wind chill, visit the National Weather Service.
Follow these tips for survival:
- Stay dry. Wear waterproof insulated boots.
- Stay covered. Wear mittens or gloves, and wear a hat. At least half of your body heat is lost if your head is not covered.
- Dress layered. Trapped air between loose fitting clothing helps to insulate.
- Stay informed. Use wind chill temperatures to guide you in dressing properly.
- On very cold days, minimize your exposure to the outdoors if possible.
Reference: National Weather Service