Free calculator
Check the wind chill before the crew heads out.
Enter the air temperature and the wind speed. You'll get the wind chill, which is how fast exposed skin cools.
Also calledWind chill for outdoor workers, Cold stress calculator, Windchill temperature
The formula applies at 50°F (10°C) and below, with wind of 3 mph (5 km/h) or more.
Result
Wind chill
--°F
Enter a temperature and wind speed.
Wind chill describes how fast exposed skin cools. It isn’t a temperature. Follow your cold stress plan: layers, dry clothing, warm-up breaks and watching each other for signs of cold injury.
This does arithmetic on what you type. Nothing leaves your browser. Check the result against your own rules and procedures.
How it's calculated
- This uses the National Weather Service wind chill formula. It applies at 50°F (10°C) and below, with wind of 3 mph (5 km/h) or more. Outside that range, the formula doesn't apply, so the calculator says so instead of guessing.
What it can't tell you
- Wind chill isn't a temperature. It describes how fast exposed skin cools.
- It doesn't account for wet clothing, gloves that don't fit, working in a vehicle's shade or someone who's unwell.
- Follow your cold stress plan: layers, dry clothes, warm-up breaks, and a buddy to watch for signs of cold injury.
Run this in the field.
Assign the cold-weather checks to the crew and see who has done them before they head out.
Get new free tools by email.
A new template, calculator or guide when we publish one. No spam, and you can leave any time.
Common questions
- What is wind chill?
- It's how cold the air feels on exposed skin when wind is added to the air temperature. Wind carries heat away from the body faster than still air.
- Does wind chill apply to equipment?
- No. Wind chill describes the effect on people and animals. It doesn't make a machine or a pipe colder than the air around it.
- When should work stop in the cold?
- Your own plan decides that, with triggers that fit your work and your gear. Treat signs of cold injury as an emergency and get medical help.
More free tools
Free tool
Heat index calculator
Heat index from temperature and humidity, with a risk level
Toolbox talk
Cold stress
Cold stress toolbox talk for crews. Layers, dry gloves and boots, warm-up breaks, warning signs and when to get medical help in cold, wet or windy work.
Toolbox talk
Storm readiness
Storm readiness talk: check the forecast, know the shelter and the stop-work triggers, secure loose items and bring people down and in before it hits.
Glossary
Hazard assessment
A hazard assessment is a structured look at a task or place to find what could hurt someone and decide how to control it.
Glossary
Pre-shift meeting
A pre-shift meeting is a short crew huddle at the start of a shift to go over the plan, the hazards and any changes since the last shift.
Free tool
Forklift pre-use checklist
A daily check for forklifts and powered industrial trucks