How does wind chill affect perceived temperature?

Wind chill affects perceived temperature by decreasing it. When wind moves across the skin, it enhances the rate of heat loss from the body. This effect is particularly pronounced at lower temperatures, where the combination of cold air and wind can make it feel significantly colder than the actual air temperature.

For example, if the actual air temperature is 30°F with a wind of 10 mph, the wind-chill effect can make it feel closer to 20°F. This phenomenon is due to the wind removing the layer of warm air that normally surrounds our bodies, leading to a higher rate of heat loss. People exposed to such conditions will feel colder than they would in still air at the same temperature.

Understanding wind chill is crucial for assessing outdoor activities, as it influences both comfort and safety in cold weather. Hence, the option indicating that wind chill decreases perceived temperature is accurate and reflects this important relationship between wind speed and thermal sensation.