Wind Chill, Frostbite and Hypothermia: How Cold Feels, the Warning Signs and What to Do
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How we wrote this: A plain-English summary of the National Weather Service wind chill page and CDC winter weather pages, checked October 29, 2026. This is general information, not medical advice. Seek medical care for suspected frostbite or hypothermia.
What wind chill means
NWS says the wind chill temperature is how cold people and animals feel outside. Wind draws heat away from exposed skin. For example, at 0°F with a 15 mph wind, the wind chill is -19°F, and exposed skin can freeze in 30 minutes.
The NWS formula estimates wind at face height (about 5 feet) and assumes no sun. NWS notes bright sunshine can raise the wind chill by 10°F to 18°F. Wind chill is defined only at 50°F or below with winds above 3 mph.
Two myths NWS clears up:
- Wind chill doesn't cool objects like car radiators or pipes below the actual air temperature. They just cool faster.
- You can get frostbite only if the actual air temperature is below freezing. A below-freezing wind chill on a 35°F day won't cause frostbite, though you could still get hypothermia.
NWS's tests used adults, so it says to be even more cautious with children, older adults and people in poor health.
Frostbite
The CDC describes frostbite as an injury from freezing, usually on the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes. It can cause permanent damage. Signs:
- redness or pain (the first sign; get out of the cold),
- a white or grayish-yellow skin area,
- skin that feels unusually firm or waxy,
- numbness, so people often don't notice until someone else does.
Hypothermia
The CDC says hypothermia can happen even above 40°F if a person is wet from rain, sweat or cold water and gets chilled. Warning signs:
- Adults: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness.
- Babies: bright red, cold skin and very low energy.
If body temperature is below 95°F, get medical attention immediately.
Higher risk: older adults without enough food, clothing or heat; babies in cold bedrooms; people outdoors for long periods; and people using alcohol or drugs.
What to do (CDC)
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Get the person into a warm room.
- Remove wet clothing.
- Warm them under dry layers of blankets and clothing.
- Put frostbitten areas in warm-to-touch water.
Don't walk on frostbitten feet unless necessary, don't use a fireplace, heat lamp, radiator, stove, heating pad or electric blanket to warm them, and don't rub or massage the area.
Dress for it
The CDC recommends a scarf or knit mask, a hat, mittens or gloves, a water-resistant coat and boots, and several loose layers. See also winter weather alerts and cold water safety.