Wind, temperature, and moisture are factors which can greatly affect the safety of a winter traveler. Each contributes to the loss of body heat.The "wind chill" chart illustrates the effect of wind and temperatures on a dry, properly clothed person. If the clothing is wet from perspiration or precipitation, the net effect of wind and temperature is much greater.
Wind Speed Cooling Power of Wind Expressed as "Equivalent Chill Factor"
MPH
Temperature (F)
calm
40
30
20
10
5
0
-10
-20
-30
-40
-50
-60
5
35
25
15
5
0
-5
-15
-25
-35
-45
-55
-70
10
30
15
5
-10
-15
-20
-35
-45
-60
-70
-80
-95
15
25
10
-5
-20
-25
-30
-45
-60
-70
-85
-100
-110
20
20
5
-10
-25
-30
-35
-50
-65
-80
-95
-110
-120
25
15
0
-15
-30
-35
-45
-60
-75
-90
-105
-120
-135
30
10
0-5
-20
-30
-40
-50
-65
-80
-95
-110
-125
-140
35
10
-5
-20
-35
-40
-50
-65
-80
-100
-115
-130
-145
40
10
-5
-20
-35
-45
-55
-70
-85
-100
-115
-130
-150
Danger
Increasing Danger
(Flesh may freeze within 1 min.)
Great Danger
(Flesh may freeze within 30 seconds)
Example: At 10 degrees F., a 25 mph wind produces a -30 degree F. chill temperature.
