January 7, 2022 – Downtown Decatur this morning recorded some rather low temperatures. Despite the lack of snow on the ground, you could have become a human popsicle if you were not wearing the right attire.
However, due to the wind chill, as your weather apps may have warned you, it felt a lot colder than what was recorded. Why is that?
The National Weather Service posts this on their website: “Wind chill is the temperature it ‘feels like’ outside and is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by the effects of wind and cold. As the wind increases, the body is cooled at a faster rate causing the skin temperature to drop.”
Here is how they advise staying safe:
- Wear a warm hat. 40% of heat is lost through your head, believe it or not. So even if it equals a bad hair day, at least you are staying safe.
- Wear layers. It may look like you have added 20 pounds within the last 2 days, but again, staying safe is important.
- Cover your mouth. Hey, thanks to COVID, we kind of have to do this anyway. No, but seriously, that ice-cold air can harm your lungs, so be careful.
- Stay out of the wind. Remember, the wind can make it feel about 15 degrees colder than it actually is. It may seem obvious but take cover.
- Wear mittens, not gloves. The National Weather Service suggests mittens that are snug at the wrist. Unlike gloves, mittens allow your fingers to all warm up together.
You may have noticed yourself having a tiny bit of trouble breathing this week as you walked outside for the first time. That is only a small part of what wind chill can do.
Bundle up. Stay Safe.
