The wind chill factor
Often, guests from warmer or more temperate climates aren’t accustomed to the breathtaking effect of wind.
Wind chill temperature is how cold it actually feels outside when wind is a factor. The wind strips away the warm air near your skin and can drive “feels-like” temperatures down by an average of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. For instance, if you’re at the lodge in November and the temperature reads -10°C (14°F) but the wind is blowing at 30 km/h (18 mph), it will actually feel like -20°C (-4°F) when you step outside.
The prevailing winds in the Churchill area are from the north, bringing extreme cold in the late fall and winter months. The winds start picking up in September with some of the highest speeds in November, often leading to delayed flights to/from our lodges. Historical data shows average wind speeds around 25 km/h (15 mph) in November, but it’s not uncommon to experience much stronger winds, or gusts exceeding 60 km/h winds.
Not only does this make flying unsafe, but it makes excursions very chilly. Our staff and guides will make sure you’re adequately prepared before you head up to the lodge and keep an eye on you on really cold days. Hypothermia can sneak up on a person and frostbite can occur in minutes when temperatures and wind chills are extreme. We’ve got you covered with all the gear and recommendations needed to keep you safe and warm while out on the tundra. Check out our packing list for more info.
