Effect of Wind Chill on Skin Temperature

wind speed (m/s)

8

air temperature (°C)

-15

This Demonstration shows the effect of wind speed on skin temperature due to convective heat transfer. The inner surface temperature

T

1

of a 3-mm-thick layer of skin is constant at 36 °C. The temperature of the skin exposed to air

T

2

depends on the air temperature and the wind speed; set both with sliders. A temperature profile, which is linear at steady state, is shown for windy and calm conditions. The wind causes one to perceive the temperature as colder than the actual air temperature due to the increased heat transfer. This is referred to as wind chill.