As the new year begins with biting frost in Estonia, the perceived temperature can often feel colder than the actual air temperature. Taimi Paljak, the chief forecaster at the Environmental Agency, explains that measuring perceived temperature involves more than just assessing temperature; it prominently includes evaluating wind conditions. The article delves into how humans lose heat more quickly in stronger winds, making the perception of cold more acute.

Meteorologists employ various formulas to calculate the feeling of cold, based on actual air temperature and wind speed. For decades, the wind chill index developed by American researchers Paul Siple and Charles Passel in 1939 during their stay in Antarctica has been widely used. The methodology involves placing water-filled plastic bottles under cold and windy conditions to measure the cooling rate of their surfaces, showcasing how differently the human skin reacts to wind chill as opposed to these bottles.

The impact of perceived temperature can also vary according to individual factors such as health, clothing, and the exposed surface area of the body. This signifies the importance of understanding perceived temperature, especially in regions like Estonia where winter conditions can be severe, emphasizing the need for appropriate protective measures against the cold.