Tag: heat index

how to calculate the heat index

Have you ever wondered what the formula is to determine the heat index? You might be surprised…

Heat Index = -42.379 + 2.04901523T + 10.14333127R – 0.22475541TR – 6.83783×10-3T2 – 5.481717×10-2R2 + 1.22874×10-3T2R + 8.5282×10-4TR2 – 1.99×10-6T2R2

Who knew it was that complicated? If you want a full explanation of all those variables, go here (if you dare): It’s Not the Heat, It’s the Humidity. There are a lot of assumptions built into that equation. Basically, the heat index is different for everyone. That formula is based on an average of someone who is 5’7″ and weighs 147 pounds. The equation even accounts for how much clothes coverage you have — it assumes 84% based on “long trousers and short-sleeved shirt”. Trousers? I don’t wear trousers… I’m not British!

There should be a separate heat index for the South. On the worst of days, we don’t need a number — it should just say “STAY INSIDE!”. Because there’s days where you step out the door and you’re instantly sweating. I don’t know how that’s possible, but it’s a thing. When you can feel your skin start to burn within seconds, it’s just not safe. On those days, just stay inside.

the hottest place in America

Where is the hottest place in the United States of America?  Want to guess?  Reasonable guesses would include southern Florida, Arizona, and southern Texas.   Normally those places are contenders and one would probably be correct.  But if you live in the area which is the correct answer (as I do), you know.  Today the answer is central Arkansas.  Is that inconceivable?  I have the maps to prove it.

Those pinkish-white areas represent “crazy-mad hot”.

Why is central Arkansas the hottest place in the country?  We have excessive amounts of humidity, too!  We’ve been under a “heat advisory” for most of the past few weeks, but now we’re under an “excessive heat warning”, because the heat index may reach 120.   On TV The Weather Channel said the heat index in central Arkansas could reach 125 today.  I’m pretty sure we weren’t designed to operate in such extreme temperatures.

But why is this happening?  Is the weather broken?  I know, it’s easy to blame Global Warming.  But last winter we had snow more often than I can remember in one winter.  And last summer was the mildest summer I could remember.   (And my memory extends back quite a few years.)  So what’s going on?  Who’s tampering with the weather patterns?

If we get politicians involved in the discussion, it will be the usual story — blame the other party, or blame Bush.  (I’ve heard someone on CNN blame Bush for wildfires in California one time, believe it or not.)  What we need is a solution.  Fortunately, we’ve already had this discussion.   Now we just need someone to make it happen.  (While ice cream sandwiches might not solve the problem, they sure would make it more bearable.)  The case for this can be framed in many potential voting demographics — the heat is dangerous to children, to the elderly, to the unemployed who can’t afford their cooling bills, to illegal immigrants forced to work outside in unfair conditions, etc.  You get the idea.  So call your state representatives and tell them it’s too hot and we have a solution!