AMARILLO, TEXAS -- To say, "the High Plains are windy," may be somewhat of an understatement. According to NOAA (National Oceanic Atmospheric Association), the average wind speed between the months of January, February and March amounts to just a hair under 14 mph, according to a 60 year study.
The wind can have a huge impact on whether you feel cold outside, or not. We call that, the Wind Chill factor. Wind Chill, is the term used to describe the rate of heat loss on the human body resulting from the combined effect of low temperature and wind, according to the National Weather Service.
In the winter, across the High Plains, wind chill values can be exceptionally low. Let me give you an example; with a 14 mph wind, and a temperature of 15°, the wind chill value is calculated to be right around 0°. Now, this may not be the best example, because once temperatures drop into the teens, it's just cold whether there's a wind chill factor or not. So let's up the temperature to 32°. That's the temperature at which water freezes. If we lay on a 14 mph wind, it no longer feels like 32°, but it feels a good ten degrees colder, around 22°. That's a pretty big difference.
So what about those days when our winds ramp up into the 20-30 mph range? Let's face it, around here that's pretty common! On a day like that, even if our actual temperature is well above freezing at 40° with a strong wind around 25 mph, that 40° feels like 29° (aka, sub-freezing)! Needless to say, the Wind Chill factor has a lot to do with how we feel outdoors in the elements, especially in the winter.
Sometimes, Wind Chill values can become so low, that the NWS will put out a Wind Chill Advisory or Warning. Folks at the NWS send out an advisory when wind chill temperatures are potentially hazardous. A warning is issued when wind chill temperatures are life threatening. With this chart, you can find out with a combination of wind speed and temperature, whether the Wind Chill values are low enough to be dangerous or not.
The National Weather Service has a few tips to keep you warmer, when the wind chill is low.
Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Believe it or not, air is a great insulator, and if there's trapped air between layers of clothing, you will stay warmer, longer.
Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent and hooded.
You lose 40% of your body heat through your head, so you'll want to make sure it is covered, especially for those of you who may be follically challenged!
In addition to those tips, you may also want to cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
Mittens that are snug at the wrist may be warmer than most gloves. Finally, it's just better to stay indoors if you can.
So how can you know what it feels like outside, when all you have is a thermometer? Our schoolnet sites, will let you know! Simply click on the pull down menu in the lower right hand corner, select Wind Chill, and you can find out what the Wind Chill factor is at a schoolnet site near you!
