What is wind chill?

Wind chill is a measure that quantifies how cold it feels to the human body when wind is factored into the equation. It takes into consideration both the actual air temperature and the wind speed to estimate the impact of wind on body heat. As wind increases, it can lead to more rapid heat loss from the body, thereby making the temperature feel colder than what the thermometer indicates.

This concept is essential because it helps individuals understand the potential for frostbite and hypothermia in cold, windy conditions. The wind chill factor serves as a vital indicator for outdoor activities, safety precautions, and preparedness for severe weather.

The other choices do not accurately describe wind chill: it is not related to humidity, nor is it a calculation of wind speed itself, nor does it pertain to assessing cloud cover. Each of these elements plays a role in meteorology but does not define the wind chill effect on temperature perception.