Can wind chill cause frostbite at above freezing temperatures?

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SUMMARY

Wind chill is a calculated measurement that describes how cold the wind feels, despite the wind not being colder than still air. The discussion clarifies that wind does not lower the temperature of the air itself; rather, it increases the rate of heat loss from the body, which can lead to frostbite even at temperatures above freezing. Frostbite occurs when skin and blood vessels lose heat rapidly due to wind chill, not because the air temperature drops below freezing. The NOAA site confirms that objects do not cool below the actual air temperature, reinforcing the understanding of wind chill effects.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamics and heat transfer principles
  • Familiarity with wind chill calculations and their implications
  • Basic knowledge of frostbite and its physiological effects
  • Awareness of meteorological concepts related to air pressure and temperature
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of heat transfer in relation to wind chill effects
  • Study the physiological effects of frostbite and prevention strategies
  • Explore the NOAA resources on wind chill and frostbite for detailed guidelines
  • Learn about the ideal gas law and its applications in meteorology
USEFUL FOR

Individuals interested in meteorology, outdoor enthusiasts, healthcare professionals dealing with cold exposure, and anyone seeking to understand the effects of wind chill on human health.

BradP
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Two questions. I have read that wind chill is a measurement (or calculation, more accurately) that describes how cold the wind feels, even though the wind isn't actually colder than still air. What I am wondering is why isn't the wind actually colder? If it is moving faster it is lower pressure than the surrounding air, and thus according to the ideal gas law also lower temperature, right?

Secondly I have read on a few different sources that you can get frostbite above freezing temperatures if there is a strong wind chill. How can that be? Doesn't frostbite only happen when the skin or blood vessels freeze? I did not think it was possible for heat to flow from lower temperature body to higher temperature body.
 
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BradP said:
If it is moving faster it is lower pressure than the surrounding air
I don't see why. This is not in a venturi tube. In fact, if you held a tube open at both ends transverse to the wind I think you'd find the pressure in the tube would be lower.
Secondly I have read on a few different sources that you can get frostbite above freezing temperatures if there is a strong wind chill. How can that be? Doesn't frostbite only happen when the skin or blood vessels freeze? I did not think it was possible for heat to flow from lower temperature body to higher temperature body.
I agree with you - I don't see how this can be true.
This NOAA site http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/windchill/windchillglossary.shtml#frost is a bit confusing, but it does say clearly:Object will NOT cool below the actual air temperature.
 
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