Step 2 of 5•5 minutes read
Windchill Effect
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Windchill is the temperature your body feels when air temperature and wind speed are combined. The wind removes the warm air your body creates around you. Workers are exposed to greater danger on a cold, windy day than on an equally cold, calm day. As the speed of the wind increases, it can carry heat away from your body much more quickly, causing skin temperature to drop. Watch out for these signs:
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Constant severe shivering.
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Slow reactions, tiredness, confusion, and nausea.
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Blue, pale, and cold skin.
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Breathing and heart rates become slower.
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Loss of consciousness.
Windchill
Windchill Temperature 0 to -9° C
- Risk of frostbite: Low.
- Health concern: Slight increase in discomfort.
- What to do: Dress warmly, keeping the outside temperature in mind.
Windchill Temperature -10 to -27° C
- Risk of frostbite: Low.
- Health concern: Risk of hypothermia if outside for long periods without adequate protection.
- What to do: Dress in layers of warm clothing with a wind-resistant outer layer. Keep active.
Windchill Temperature -28 to -39° C
- Risk of frostbite: Increased risk. Exposed skin can freeze in 10 to 30 minutes.
- Health concern: Risk of hypothermia if outside for long periods without adequate protection.
- What to do: Dress in layers of warm clothing with a wind-resistant outer layer. Cover exposed skin. Keep active.
Windchill Temperature -40 to -47° C
- Risk of frostbite: High risk: exposed skin can freeze in 5 to 10 minutes.
- Health concern: Risk of hypothermia if outside for long periods without adequate protection.
- What to do: Dress in layers of warm clothing with a wind-resistant outer layer. Cover exposed skin. Keep active.
Windchill Temperature –48 to –54° C
- The risk of frostbite: High risk: exposed skin can freeze in 2 to 5 minutes.
- Health concern: Serious risk of hypothermia if outside for long periods.
- What to do: Dress in layers of warm clothing with a wind-resistant outer layer. Cover exposed skin. Keep active. Be prepared to cancel outdoor activities.
Windchill temperature –55° C and Colder
- The risk of frostbite: High risk: exposed skin can freeze in less than 2 minutes.
- Health Concern: DANGER! Outdoor conditions are hazardous.
- What to do: Stay indoors.
Windchill factor chart.