Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Nov 12/01) - It bites, it blinds and in some cases it kills. It's called wind chill.

Environment Canada estimates 80 people die each year from exposure to the Canada's winter extremes, particularly those brought on by wind chill. To reduce the toll, scientists have come up with a new meteorological measurement system.

Since Oct 30, the wind chill factor has been reported in terms of temperature, using the familiar Celsius scale.

Gone is the old and complicated watts per square metre, which is a scientific way of measuring the transmission of heat energy. In the past, for example, a hazardous wind warning would be 2,400 watts per square metre. Today weather forecasters offer something more like -50 C to -60 C.

The idea is that a simpler version means a better understanding of weather conditions, which should better prepare people for what the day has to offer.

Iqaluit fire Chief Neville Wheaton says the change won't affect his work -- not even around road and school closures.

However, the simplicity is appreciated.

"People will have an easier time equating cold temperatures (with wind chill)," Wheaton says.

The old system, known as the Siple-Passel equation, calculated wind chill from a gauge of wind speed and the time it took water in a plastic cylinder to freeze at a 10-metre height. Those tests were carried out in Antarctica more than 60 years ago.

The new system still uses the 10-metre measurement, but is derived from a new equation and a more realistic series of tests involving human skin, cold wind and freezing water. And this time, the rating is measured in Celsius.

Scientists say the new system is more accurate that the old method, which tended to supply exaggerated estimates of how cold it really feels.

Parents are also giving the new rating two thumbs up.

"I didn't understand what a wind chill of 2,200 meant. Anything that makes it easier to understand is good," said Claire Kennedy, a working mom with a seven-year-old daughter.

In layman's terms, wind chill is about heat loss, according to Environment Canada meteorologist Sharon Jeffers.

"(Wind chill) is more critical in the Arctic because people go out on the land. They can't just duck behind a building or quickly build a fire," says Jeffers.

On the other hand, the change in measurement has a decidedly Southern flavour to it.

"It will enable Canadians to take action and avoid injuries from the cold, such as dressing warmly to prevent frostbite and to make good decisions based on accurate information, such as whether school children shale be let out doors for recess," the Environment Canada Web site reads.

Undoubtedly, Nunavummiut are well aware of bundling up before heading out.

Jeffers gives credit were credit is due.

"People in the North are much more aware about temperature and exposure," Jeffers says.

"We're looking forward to receiving feedback. To make sure we're on the right track."