Why does it feel colder when windy?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Wind chill removes body heat
Moving air is naturally colder — Wrong. Moving air isn't colder—wind increases evaporation and convection, removing body heat faster than still air at same temperature.
Wind carries arctic air — Wrong. Wind direction matters for temperature, but wind chill specifically means faster heat removal—works even without arctic air.
Wind chill removes body heat ✓ — Correct! Convective heat loss! Wind chill: how cold it feels due to wind. Mechanisms: (1) Convection—wind removes warm air layer around skin faster. (2) Evaporation—wind accelerates moisture evaporation (cooling effect). (3) Body constantly generates heat—still air warms up layer near skin (insulation). (4) Wind replaces warm layer with cold air continuously. Actual air temperature unchanged! Wind chill charts quantify effect. At 0°C with 50km/h wind—feels like -11°C. Frostbite risk increases. Buildings/clothing block wind—feel warmer!
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