In recent days, you might have encountered the concept of the heat index. This measure aims to reflect how hot the air feels based on temperature and humidity levels.
The heat index often shows a higher number than the actual temperature. For instance, the temperature might be 98 degrees in Central Park, while the heat index reads 105. This difference occurs because high humidity reduces the evaporation of sweat, making it feel warmer.
Origins and Calculation of the Heat Index
The heat index is a complicated formula. It extends the idea that humidity affects how we experience heat. The formula factors in both temperature and relative humidity:
(T × 2.049) + (H × 10.143) – (T × H × 0.225) – (T² × 0.007) – (H² × 0.055) + (T² × H × 0.001) + (H² × T × 0.001) – (T² × H² × 0.000002) – 42.379
Here, T represents temperature, and H stands for relative humidity. Developed in 1990 by Lans Rothfusz, a former National Weather Service meteorologist, this formula provides a more precise estimate of how weather conditions feel to humans.
Rothfusz created the equation during his early career at the Weather Service’s Southern Region Headquarters in Fort Worth. Despite being an intern at the time, his work has significantly contributed to meteorology.
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