Wind Chill Calculator
NWS wind-chill from °F and mph — valid in cold, windy conditions. Click any i for detail.
Weather
Air temperature (°F)
i
Temp
Ambient temperature in Fahrenheit. |
|
|---|---|
Wind speed (mph)
i
Wind
Sustained wind speed in miles per hour. |
How to use this calculator
- Enter air temperature in °F.
- Enter wind speed in mph.
- Read the wind-chill (feels-like) value when inputs are in range.
Results explained
The US National Weather Service wind-chill formula applies when air temperature is 50°F or below and wind is at least 3 mph. Outside that range the page shows air temperature instead of inventing a false “feels like.” Wind chill describes heat loss from exposed skin — it is not the thermometer reading and does not cool objects below air temperature.
Quick reference: wind chill
NWS formula for T ≤ 50°F and wind ≥ 3 mph.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Validity | T ≤ 50°F and wind ≥ 3 mph |
| Output | Apparent temperature on exposed skin |
| Not frostbite time | Charts exist separately; this page is temperature only |
| Cousin | Heat index for hot, humid days |
Dress for the wind chill, but frostbite risk also depends on duration and exposure.
How the estimate is built
WC = 35.74 + 0.6215T − 35.75V^0.16 + 0.4275T·V^0.16 (T in °F, V in mph).
Example scenario
20°F with 15 mph wind → wind chill about 6°F.
FAQ
Why won’t it calculate at 55°F?
The NWS formula is not defined above 50°F. We show air temperature instead of a fake wind chill.
Does wind chill freeze water faster?
Wind chill affects people and animals, not the thermodynamic temperature of inanimate objects sitting in air.
What wind speed should I use?
Sustained wind is preferred. Gusts feel colder momentarily but charts use sustained values.
Celsius version?
Convert °C→°F first (or use a metric wind-chill tool). This page matches the common US °F/mph formula.