feeltemperature

Feeltemperature, commonly referred to as the *wind chill* or *apparent temperature*, is a measure of how cold it feels to humans when the wind interacts with the temperature of the air. Unlike actual air temperature, which is measured in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit, felt temperature accounts for the combined effect of temperature and wind speed on exposed skin. This perception is based on how quickly heat is lost from the body, particularly from the face and hands.

The concept of felt temperature was developed to help people understand the increased risk of frostbite and hypothermia in cold, windy conditions, even when the air temperature alone might not seem dangerously low. For example, a temperature of 0°C (32°F) with a strong wind can feel much colder than the same temperature with little to no wind. The relationship between temperature and wind speed is not linear; higher wind speeds significantly amplify the perceived chill.

Feeltemperature is calculated using formulas that incorporate both air temperature and wind speed. One widely used formula is the *Siple and Passel wind chill index*, which estimates how cold the air feels on average human skin. This index is often used in weather forecasts to warn the public about dangerous conditions. In warmer climates, a similar concept called *heat index* is used to describe how hot it feels when humidity is high, but felt temperature specifically addresses cold-weather risks.

While felt temperature is useful for understanding comfort and safety, it does not directly affect official temperature records, which are based solely on air temperature measurements. However, it remains an important tool for public awareness, particularly in regions prone to extreme cold and wind. Proper clothing, such as windproof layers and insulated gear, can help mitigate the effects of felt temperature by reducing heat loss from the body.