Even if you have a very helpful weather man though, it still is a good idea to know the basic idea behind wind chill. By knowing what it is, you are better able to decide for yourself what you should be wearing or doing.

Simply put, wind chill is the temperature that you seem to feel on your skin. The key word here is "seem." This implies that the temperature that you feel may not actually reflect actual environmental temperature. The temperature that you seem to feel is the result of actual temperature plus the speed of wind.

It's easier to understand everything when one also understands how bodies are partly insulated. Under normal circumstances, exposed human skin has a layer of unmoving air which helps keep the warmth in. When the wind blows, part of this insulating barrier is blown off, hence, one may start to feel the cold. In reality, skin temperature is not the same as external temperature, when the barrier is blown off, closer to actual environmental temperature may be felt which will seem colder than it really is. Hence it may feel like 18 degrees F when it is really 30 degrees F.

This explains a lot when weather reporters talk about wind chill factors. They may initially give a report about the actual temperature with a corresponding lower chill factor depending on how windy it is.

There are many ways of calculating the wind chill factor. Different places across the world may also have different methods of calculation. The differences may stem from the fact that weather experts do not always agree on the correct way of making the calculations. Certain aspects may be argued upon when it comes to making calculations. Experts for example may not agree on whether calculations should be based on the cooling of the most exposed parts of the skin or of the entire body surface. Today, North America uses its own standard wind chill index.

To many of us the concept of wind chill may seem nothing more than another weather term. The truth is though is that one should not underestimate the practical uses of this weather concept. For obvious reasons wind chill is especially useful in cold countries. In Canada for example, extreme cold conditions have been known to cause skin freezing, frostbite and even death, hence the chill factor is an important warning for individuals not to stay out or to wear appropriate clothing.

Wind chill is also important for many businesses, schools and event organizers. Knowing how chilly it is outside will help people determine if certain activities should push through or whether participants should be warned about extra precautions.

Robert L. is the creator and writer of Warren Weather a website created for those looking to learn more about the weather in Warren Michigan to include the current weather conditions. To learn more about Warren Weather visit his site at http://www.warrenweather.com/