The cold weather during the New York winter may come as a shock to students from warmer climates. Low temperatures are even more uncomfortable when the wind is blowing. You will hear the phrase "wind chill factor" in weather reports. Wind chill is the temperature of still air that would have the same effect on exposed skin as the current combination of wind speed and air temperature. The lower the air temperature and the stronger the wind, the lower the wind chill factor. Thus the temperature may be 15 degrees Fahrenheit (-9 degrees Celsius) but it may "feel" as if it is -5 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 degrees Celsius) because of the wind. You can Google temperature conversion by typing, e.g. 40F in C

Do the following to stay warm
Wear several layers of lighter clothing, rather than one or two very heavy layers. This helps keep you warmer because air trapped between the layers of clothing will be heated by the body and serve as insulation. You may often find buildings are kept quite warm, so it is also advantageous to wear several layers, so you can remove them as needed.

Choose warm fabrics. Natural fibers, such as cotton and wool, allow perspiration to evaporate from the skin, keeping you warmer. When you purchase clothes in the United States, the fiber content is printed on a label attached to the garment. Jackets filled with goose down are very warm, even though they are lightweight.

Select clothes designed for cold weather. Tight clothing inhibits blood circulation, which makes it harder for the body to stay warm. However, it is important that clothing fits tightly at the wrists, ankles, neck, and waist to prevent warm air from escaping. When you go out, leave the fewest areas of your body exposed. It is essential to keep your head and ears covered with a hat or hood.

Learn more
Back