Wind Chill

Canada’s wind chill index is based on the loss of heat from the face. It was developed using human volunteers, computer technology, and a better understanding of how skin loses heat. The index is expressed in temperature-like units, which are easier for everyone to understand. The best way to understand wind chill is to think of it as a feeling. The new wind chill index represents how your skin will feel at a given temperature on a calm day. For instance, if the outside air temperature is –5C and the wind chill is –25, your face will feel as cold as it would at –25C on a calm day.

What to do for wind chill: Wind Chill	Health Concern	What To Do
0 to -9	Slight discomfort	Dress warmly
-10 to -24	Uncomfortable • Bare skin feels cold • Risk of hypothermia	Dress in layers • Wear a hat, mitts & scarf • Keep active
-25 to -44	Skin may freeze • Risk of hypothermia	Check face, fingers, toes, ears & nose for numbness or whiteness • Dress in layers – cover bare skin • Wear a hat, mitts & scarf • Keep active
-45 to -59	• Bare skin may freeze in minutes	Check face, fingers, toes, ears & nose for numbness or whiteness • Dress in layers – cover bare skin • Wear a hat, mitts & scarf • Keep active

-60 and colder	Bare skin may freeze in less than 2 minutes	It is dangerous! Stay indoors