La thermal sensation is a key concept that refers to the human body's reaction to a combination of meteorological factors. These factors include the dry temperature, the mean radiant temperature, the wind speed and the percentage of relative humidityThe sensation of wind varies not only due to air temperature, but also due to the body's ability to regulate its temperature, which depends on the insulation provided by the clothing and footwear we wear.
Although we often consult the thermometer to know the outside temperature, We should not be carried away solely by this data. when choosing our clothing. The thermometer tells us the temperature, but it doesn't take into account how that temperature feels on the human body.
Accurate measurement of wind chill is not easy. The explorer Paul Simple He pioneered this field in the 30s, when he observed that wind speeds in polar regions had a more damaging effect than low temperatures. Wind acts as a natural coolant, and while it can be pleasant during the heat of summer, in winter it can create a sensation of extreme cold.
In the next frame, You will be able to see what the actual temperature feels like in winter considering temperature and wind speed:
The temperatures shown in this table are undoubtedly quite low. However, In addition to climatic factors, our body temperature It can fluctuate depending on our health, diet, and the type of activity we're doing at a given time. For example, it's common to dress appropriately when we go out for a bike ride in the morning, but upon returning after exercise, we feel we need less clothing, as our body has generated heat.
Just as temperature and wind influence, Humidity is an equally significant elementDuring the cold months, high humidity can make us feel very uncomfortable. Those who live in humid climates often hear that "you feel cold in your bones," meaning that even at 10 degrees Celsius, they will feel cold if the humidity is high. Conversely, in hot summer climates, high humidity can amplify our perception of heat. The higher the humidity, the hotter it feels.
To ensure that you dress appropriately, It is essential to consult your weather station to obtain data on temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity. You can also consult how to calculate wind chill to better understand how these factors combine.
The Wind Chill in Winter
In winter, wind chill is primarily affected by the combination of temperature and wind speed. The difference between skin temperature (around 32°C) and air temperature is crucial. When the wind blows, it accelerates heat loss from the body. For example, if the temperature is 0°C and there is no wind, the wind chill is also 0°C. However, if a wind blows at 25 km/h (approximately 7 m/s) at that temperature, the wind chill can drop to -6°C.
Various formulas are used to calculate the thermal sensation in winter. A commonly used index is the Wind Chill Index, which considers ambient temperature and wind speed. This index is applied when temperatures are below 10°C. You can find more information about this index at how the wind chill is calculated.
The Wind Chill in Summer
During the summer months, we can also experience variations in the wind chill. In this case, the combination of temperature and RH It can affect the perception of heat. On hot days, high humidity makes it difficult for sweat to evaporate, the body's primary cooling mechanism. For example, on a day with 30°C and 50% humidity, the perceived temperature could rise to 36°C.
The wind chill is calculated using the Heat Index, which applies to temperatures of 20°C or higher and humidity levels above 40%. This index helps us understand how the combination of heat and humidity affects our perception of heat. If you'd like to learn more about this, see the feeling of cold when it snows to better understand how the weather influences our perceptions.
Calculating the Wind Chill
Wind chill calculations are based on formulas that offer different results depending on the factors considered. For example, the U.S. National Weather Service uses the Steadman formula to calculate wind chill in winter:
St = 13,12 + 0,6215 T – 11,37 V0,16 0,3965 + V0,16
Where St represents the thermal sensation, T is the temperature in degrees Celsius, and V is the wind speed in km/h. For more details on how it is calculated, you can visit Three apps you should have to know the weather in real time.
For the thermal sensation in summer the following formula is used:
St = T + 5 [ (P – 10) / 9 ]
Where P It is the water vapor pressure produced by ambient humidity. I recommend you check the worst heat wave to get an idea of how extreme temperatures can affect our health.
Factors Affecting Wind Chill
The temperature sensation doesn't depend solely on climatic factors, but is also influenced by individual conditions. Each person's metabolism, health status, and physical activity level can alter their perception of temperature. Two people in the same climatic circumstances may experience different temperatures due to these specific factors. To better understand this, you can read about the drastic change of weather in Spain.
La thermal sensation Wind and humidity are crucial factors to consider when determining how we feel in different weather conditions. Wind and humidity are determining factors that can increase or decrease our perception of cold or heat, and should be taken into account when planning outdoor activities or deciding how to dress for different weather conditions. Listening to the advice of meteorological services and using personal weather stations can help us have a better daily experience based on the weather.
