Jerry Apps

Weblog for author, Jerry Apps.

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Wind Chill

One of my father's favorite wintertime sayings was: "When the days lengthen, the cold strengthens." There's a bit of truth to it. The days start adding minutes in January, and the temperature often drops to its lowest during that month. Of course, following the theory, June 20 should be the coldest day of the year. I never asked Pa about that. Thought better of it.

Pa didn't believe in wind chill numbers. He said if it was cold and the wind was blowing, get out of the wind. Any ninny knows to do that.

The idea of "wind chill" traces back to Antarctic explorer, Paul A. Siple. He coined the phrase in 1939. It wasn't until the 1960's and 1970's that wind chill numbers became popular. In 2001, the National Weather Service recalculated wind chill numbers and came up with today's "Wind Chill Index." For instance, if it's really 0 degrees, and the wind is 25 mph, the wind chill index is -24 degrees.

The Old Timer Says: "Put your ear flaps down and your collar up when you head outside. And don't forget, on a cold and windy day, sitting by a crackling fire is about the most pleasant thing there is."

The Old Timer will be gone for a couple weeks. Back in mid-February.

First printing of IN A PICKLE: A FAMILY FARM STORY is about sold out. Don't miss out. Stop at your favorite bookstore, or visit my website and order a copy.

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