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Family Health Magazine
MODERN LIVING

Is it Too Cold Outside?
Using the wind chill index

Canada is a country of extreme temperatures. Since very hot or cold weather can endanger health, we must be able to tell when conditions outside are too extreme. Environment Canada uses two tools to connect the link between weather and health – the humidex and the wind chill index. Canadians can refer to the wind chill number when deciding how to brave the coldest weather of the year.

What is the wind chill index?

While waiting at a bus stop, or simply walking outside on a cold winter’s day, you may notice how much colder you feel when the wind is blowing. Wind actually speeds up the rate at which your body loses heat.

The wind chill index was developed to help Canadians avoid the health hazards of cold windy days. Wind chill describes how cold you feel on a winter day by combining the cooling effects of both low temperature and wind. The index is expressed in temperature-like units, which makes it easy to understand and use. Having a wind chill index of -25 on a day when the outdoor temperature is -15 C means that, given the wind, it will feel like a -25 C calm wind-free day.

Why should I use the wind chill index?

Serious health problems can arise from exposure to extreme cold. Every year, more than 80 Canadians die from being out in the cold too long. Many more suffer injuries such as hypothermia and frostbite, which are related to cold. These injuries are more common on windy days, as wind increases your loss of body heat. The wind chill index considers the cooling effects of both temperature and wind. It is a better measure of the discomfort you feel on a cold day than temperature alone. Thanks to this, it is a simple, practical tool that you can use to protect yourself and your family on cold winter days.

Who is at risk?

We all run the risk of suffering cold-related injuries if we stay outside too long on a cold windy day. However, some are at more risk. Elderly people and children are particularly vulnerable since they have less muscle mass. They create less protective body heat. Similarly, people with tall slim builds feel the cold more quickly. Their body type makes them lose heat faster than those who are shorter and heavier.

In addition to age and physical condition, other factors influence how much heat you lose on a cold day. Good quality clothing with insulating properties keeps in heat and protects you from cold. Wet clothing, on the other hand, loses its insulating value and chills your body rapidly.

How do I protect myself and my family?

On cold days, you should be aware of the wind chill index in the weather forecast from Environment Canada or your local weather forecast sources. Use this wind chill information to decide how to dress before going outside, and to consider your family’s outdoor activities. Many Canadian schools use wind chill values to decide whether it is safe for children to go outdoors at recess. Sports groups, such as hockey clubs, also use the system to decide whether or not to cancel outdoor practices on a cold winter day.

Outdoor physical activity is important for you and your family’s health. When you choose to go outside when it is cold, remember to protect yourself by following these tips.

• Dress warmly. The most important aspect of cold weather safety is proper clothing. Wear several layers of loose fitting clothing with an outer layer that is wind resistant. Be sure to cover exposed areas of skin by wearing a hat, mittens, and a scarf or face mask.
• Stay dry. Nothing chills your body more quickly than wet clothing. Since sweating too much also increases heat loss, remove extra clothing layers whenever you feel too warm.
• Get out of the wind. When you feel cold, seek shelter. This will help eliminate the wind chill factor. If you find yourself shivering persistently, return indoors.
• Soak up the sun. It is safer to plan your winter outdoor activities on sunny days, since the sun will help you gain heat.
• Stay active. Physical activity like walking, skiing or skating increases your metabolism and helps you generate protective body heat. So, keep moving!