During the winter months, you may hear meteorologists refer to wind chill or the “feels like temperature” – this is when the actual air temperature feels even colder due to the wind. Our bodies lose heat through convection, but when there is little to no wind, our body keeps a layer of heat around us – helping us to stay warmer. Think of this as a heat bubble around our body.
Now, when it is windy – it’s a different ball game. That heat bubble is no more so your body is working hard to keep that same temperature which makes you FEEL even colder.
Now, how do we know exactly what the wind chill temperature would be? If you love math, you can do the calculation below. OR you can look at the chart. Look at the top row of numbers first – if you have an air temperature of 15 degrees and a wind of 40 mph – it will FEEL like -8 degrees outside.
As we continue through the heart of winter, here is a reminder of the 5 P’s of Winter Preparedness:
PROTECT PEOPLE – Pay careful attention to children and the elderly. Dress in multiple layers when you are outdoors, especially at night when temperatures are below freezing.
PROTECT PETS – Bring your fur babies inside! If is too cold for you, it is too cold for them — especially with the cold, wet, and windy conditions. If your pet MUST absolutely be left outside, they should have shelter in a dry, warm place with their shelter facing AWAY from the wind.
PROTECT PLANTS – Cover them with blankets or bring them inside if you haven’t already.
PROTECT PIPES – Open cabinet doors to allow the warmth of your home to reach pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls. Open your faucets and allow a small stream of water to run at half the diameter of a pencil when temperatures drop into the 20s and teens.
PRACTICE FIRE SAFETY – Inspect all heating equipment before using. Check on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
