The Heat Index & Hot Weather Safety
By Noah Bergren on June 18, 2012, 3:36pm
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What is the "Heat Index"?
The Heat Index is defined as a measurement system that mixes the air temperatures and relative humidity together, to combine and get the human-perceived equivalent temperature - basically how it feels.
>Example, the Air Temp. is 90, and the Dew Point is Very High, the Heat Index would be near 105.
The human body cools itself down via a process known as perspiration (aka sweating), which is a process that involves the evaporation and movement of heat away from the body. With this, when the relative humidity is high, the evaporation rate is decreased, and heat is removed from the human body at a lower rate, causing the body to retain more heat than if the air was dry.
The NOAA heat alert procedures are based mainly on Heat Index Values. The Heat Index can also be referred to as the apparent temperature is given in degrees F. The Heat Index is a measure of how hot it really feels when the relative humidity is combined with the air temperature.
To find the Heat Index temperature, look at the Chart from the NOAA Below:
NWS Heat Alerts/Advisories:
When the Humidity and Air Temperature Combine to Produce such high Heat Indices, the NWS Can issue the following alerts as conditions warrant.
(Here in CT; This Wednesday & Thursday Likely will have one of these Alerts)
From the NWS:
Excessive Heat Outlooks are issued when the potential exists for an excessive heat event in the next 3-7 days. An Outlook provides information to those who need considerable lead time to prepare for the event, such as public utility staff, emergency managers and public health officials.
Excessive Heat Watches are issued when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 24 to 72 hours. A Watch is used when the risk of a heat wave has increased but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain. A Watch provides enough lead time so that those who need to prepare can do so, such as cities officials who have excessive heat event mitigation plans.
Excessive Heat Warning/Advisories are issued when an excessive heat event is expected in the next 36 hours. These products are issued when an excessive heat event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occuring. The warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life or property. An advisory is for less serious conditions that cause significant discomfort or inconvenience and, if caution is not taken, could lead to a threat to life and/or property.
Heat Safety & Precautions:
High Heat and Temperatures is the #1 weather-related killer in the U.S., causing hundreds of fatalities every year.
Tips of Beating the Heat and Staying Safe:
>Slow down, and reduce the amount of strenuous activity outside until the temp. cool's down. People with health problems should remain in the coolest available location.
>Drink and hydrate with the proper fluids. Drink preferably water, and stay away form alcoholic and carbonated beverages. Drink plenty of fluids, even if your not thirsty, as the body needs water and liquid to keep itself cool.
>Prepare Yourself. Wear preferably lighter-colored clothing, and stay away from black/dark colored shirts and shorts, as darker colors absorb heat energy from the sun and make you even hotter. Also, limit your exposure in the sun as much as possible, and applicate with sun-block as necessary. Finally, just stay inside in an air-conditioned place! Reading a book at home in the A/C, watching a movie at the local theater, going to most malls with A/C; don't suffer!
Sources:
This Wednesday & Thursday, Temperatures will be in the middle to upper 90's, and Near 100, so be prepared and check back at WXedge.com for the latest updates!
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