Why aren’t the temperature and “feels like” temperature the same?

Question

If it’s 75 degrees but feels like 70 degrees outside, shouldn’t the real temperature also be 70?

In: 0

Answer 1

Your skin isn’t a calibrated thermometer.

What you “feel” is basically interpreted by the brain, and the brain gives you sensations that correspond to how easy or difficult it would be for your body to cool itself.

This is why 75 degrees but windy will feel cooler, because the wind evaporates some of your sweat and helps you cool down. Similarly, 75 and very humid will feel stifling, because your body can’t cool down through sweating.

This is why weather reports usually include temperature *and* humidity, and often also include “wind chill” or “feels like” information.