* Corresponding Author Address: Mark A. Tew, National Weather Service, 1325 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910; E-Mail: [email protected]
P1.13 IMPLEMENTATION OF A NEW WIND CHILL TEMPERATURE INDEX BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE Mark A. Tew*1, G. Battel2, C. A. Nelson3 1National Weather Service, Office of Climate, Water and Weather Services, Silver Spring, MD 2Science Application International Corporation, under contract with National Weather Service, Silver Spring, MD 3Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research, Silver Spring, MD 1. INTRODUCTION group is called the Joint Action Group for Temperature Indices (JAG/TI) and is chaired by the NWS. The goal of The Wind Chill Temperature (WCT) is a term used to JAG/TI is to internationally upgrade and standardize the describe the rate of heat loss from the human body due to index for temperature extremes (e.g., Wind Chill Index). the combined effect of wind and low ambient air Standardization of the WCT Index among the temperature. The WCT represents the temperature the meteorological community is important, so that an body feels when it is exposed to the wind and cold. accurate and consistent measure is provided and public Prolonged exposure to low wind chill values can lead to safety is ensured. frostbite and hypothermia. The mission of the National After three workshops, the JAG/TI reached agreement Weather Service (NWS) is to provide forecast and on the development of the new WCT index, discussed a warnings for the protection of life and property, which process for scientific verification of the new formula, and includes the danger associated from extremely cold wind generated implementation plans (Nelson et al. 2001). chill temperatures. JAG/TI agreed to have two recognized wind chill experts, The NWS (1992) and the Meteorological Service of Mr.
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