Rule of thumb · EnvironmentalNº 10 / 167

"Feels like" switches formula, not just number

Below about 10°C, wind chill drives "feels like." Above about 27°C, humidity (heat index) does. In between, it’s just the thermometer.

Why it works

Wind strips heat fastest when it’s already cold; humidity blocks sweat evaporation, which only matters once it’s hot. Neither effect does much in the mild middle.

When it fails

Between about 10 °C and 27 °C neither index is defined, so a 'feels like' figure in that band is the plain temperature dressed up. Wind chill also assumes exposed skin and a walking pace — it says nothing about a cyclist at 30 km/h, and nothing at all in sunshine.

Do it exactly

Estimate with the rule, then check it against the calculator that models it properly.

Open Feels Like Temperature →

More in Environmental

← PreviousThe sun moves 15° per hour Next →Frostbite risk is about minutes, not degrees alone

How is feels-like temperature calculated?

Below about 10°C, wind chill drives "feels like." Above about 27°C, humidity (heat index) does. In between, it’s just the thermometer. Wind strips heat fastest when it’s already cold; humidity blocks sweat evaporation, which only matters once it’s hot.

Browse all 167 rules of thumb →