When checking the weather forecast, air temperature is often the figure people focus on first. However, how warm or cold it actually feels can be quite different.
The reason for this is because our bodies respond not just to temperature, but also to wind, humidity and sunshine. Together, these factors help explain why a spring day can feel chilly despite clear skies, or why a summer afternoon can feel uncomfortable even at relatively modest temperatures.
The role of wind in making it feel colder
Wind plays a major role in how cold conditions feel, particularly in cooler months and during brisk northerly or easterly winds. Moving air removes heat from the body more quickly than still air, making it harder to stay warm. This is known as wind chill.
On a calm day, a temperature of 10°C may feel close to that value. Add a strong wind, and it can feel several degrees colder. This effect is often most noticeable in exposed locations such as coastal areas, hills and open countryside, where shelter is limited.
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Humidity and why muggy weather feels warmer
Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air and has an important influence on how warm conditions feel, especially in summer. When humidity is high, sweat evaporates more slowly from the skin, reducing the body’s ability to cool itself.
As a result, a temperature of 24°C with high humidity can feel much warmer and more uncomfortable than the same temperature in drier air. This is why nights during humid spells can feel particularly oppressive, even if temperatures are not especially high.
Sunshine can be misleading in spring
Strong spring sunshine can sometimes give the impression of warmth, even when air temperatures remain relatively low. On clear days in March, April or May, the sun’s energy can warm surfaces quickly, while the air itself stays cool, particularly if winds are coming from the north or east.
This combination often leads to bright but deceptively chilly conditions, where it feels much colder in the shade or once the sun drops behind cloud.
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What this means when planning your day
Understanding the difference between air temperature and how it feels can help when planning outdoor activities or choosing what to wear. Windy days may need extra layers, even if temperatures look reasonable, while warm, humid conditions may require taking steps to stay cool and hydrated.
Looking beyond the headline temperature can give a more accurate picture of how the weather will affect you.
Keep up to date with weather warnings, and you can find the latest forecast on our website, on YouTube, by following us on X and Facebook, as well as on our mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store.
