Feels-like temperature: what it is and how to read it
The temperature on the thermometer does not always match what we feel. The feels-like temperature tries to express how cold or hot the body perceives it in those conditions. This guide explains what it depends on and how to use it. It is general information, not an official value.
What it is
It is an estimate of how the temperature feels on the body, combining air temperature with other factors. It is not a measurement but a calculation, so two sources can give slightly different values.
What it depends on
- Wind: in the cold, wind strips heat from the skin faster and it feels colder than the thermometer says.
- Humidity: in the heat, humid air makes it harder for sweat to evaporate, so it feels hotter and muggier.
- Sun: direct radiation feels hotter than shade at the same air temperature.
- Clothing, physical activity and each person's own body also matter.
When it matters most
- In winter with strong wind, to dress warmly: it can feel several degrees colder than the actual temperature.
- In humid summer weather, to avoid heat stroke: drink water and avoid exertion in the hottest hours.
How to use it on this site
On each city's weather page you will see the feels-like temperature next to the temperature. Use it as a guide for what to wear, and keep in mind it is a model estimate that may differ from what you feel in your exact spot.
General, educational information: it does not replace professional advice or official warnings.