Why do we not say that heat index or wind chill is the actual temperature?

Question

I know it's because that's what it FEELS like outside. But isn't that the whole purpose of temperature, to know what it FEELS like?

Answer 1

Temperature means air temperature.  It is a more exact measurement than wind chill.

Answer 2

No, temperature is a macro perspective of what the molecules are doing.

Answer 3

The true temperature is what the thermometer says. The heat index or wind chill is what it feels like outside taking into account the humidity level.

Answer 4

good question...i'd imagine that it has something to do with the fact that temperature is a scientifically proven type of measurement and the other two are still relatively new theories

Answer 5

The index or wind chill is not the base temperature, so they fluxuate depending on the wind speed and humidity levels, and can't be relied upon for their accuracy. You can turn a corner and get knocked down by a gust or you can sit along side a building and not feel the air move at all. Those things change by the second, but the base temperature doesn't.