January brings colder temperatures and the micro-seasons of Minor Cold(Jan. 06- Jan. 20) and Major Cold (Jan 20-Feb 03). It is also the time when wind chill is frequently mentioned in the weather forecasts.

The wind chill factor is the rate of heat loss from the skin as a result of the wind and cold.  For those math minded people the formula for this is: 

• Wind chill (ºF) = 35.74 + 0.6215T – 35.75(V^0.16) + 0.4275T(V^0.16)
  • Where: T = Air Temperature (F)
  • V = Wind Speed (mph)
  • ^ = raised to a power (exponential)

For those of us who might not be so math oriented, like myself, the reality of this formula is that as the wind increases, the wind draws away heat from the exposed skin.  This can then result in lower internal body temperatures.⁽¹⁾  The higher rate of wind chill, the greater the risk of…