The 33's Chief Meteorologist Rebecca Miller talks about all things weather -- and more
Jun
18
2:17PM | June 18, 2009 | comments: 3
Is it "hot" when it's not 100º ???
It's a discussion I hear all the time. Call it "hot" when it's in the 90s, and a slew of e-mails arrive saying it's not officially "hot" until it's 100º. And while the heat index has been 100º or higher this week, the actual temperature has reached its highest reading of 98º Tuesday afternoon. Close, but not 100º....
The heat index is another story. Based on how hot you feel when the humidity is factored into the temperature, it's completely subjective. I actually do not like to use it at all...I don't like to tell people how they feel. There's no way I could know how you feel in the heat.
Being from New Orleans, this week has been just fine by me. I'm used to much higher humidity. Take someone from the desert, and 100º might not feel too bad, either, but throw in our humidity, and it might feel extremely oppressive to that person.
So if you find yourself feeling worn down by the heat and humidity, make sure you take precautions: dress in light colored, loose-fitting clothing. Take plenty of breaks when working outdoors. Drink plenty of fluids...anything containing caffeine will dehydrate you; alcohol is also not helpful in dealing with heat. Make sure you provide shelter and plenty of water for outdoor pets. Heat and humidity affect them, too. Check on the elderly or those who are ill.
Heat is the number ONE weather killer.
The heat index is another story. Based on how hot you feel when the humidity is factored into the temperature, it's completely subjective. I actually do not like to use it at all...I don't like to tell people how they feel. There's no way I could know how you feel in the heat.
Being from New Orleans, this week has been just fine by me. I'm used to much higher humidity. Take someone from the desert, and 100º might not feel too bad, either, but throw in our humidity, and it might feel extremely oppressive to that person.
So if you find yourself feeling worn down by the heat and humidity, make sure you take precautions: dress in light colored, loose-fitting clothing. Take plenty of breaks when working outdoors. Drink plenty of fluids...anything containing caffeine will dehydrate you; alcohol is also not helpful in dealing with heat. Make sure you provide shelter and plenty of water for outdoor pets. Heat and humidity affect them, too. Check on the elderly or those who are ill.
Heat is the number ONE weather killer.
Comments: 3
Hey, Becky, good to see you on The 33. I've been a long-time fan but had..um... lost track of you. :-( Glad to see you again. I'll check out your blog regularly.
Here's another viewer who's been missing you. What we've got left over there on the other network is one that whistles when she inhales, one that smacks between phrases, and one that seems like he's gonna be on a ventillator with every breath. I know you're too classy to besmirch your peers, but they really screwed up when they lost you and the 33 has gained some more viewers as a result. Now, 33, lets go HD!
I'm from Austin originally, and I'd agree that *hot* doesn't begin until we hit 100º. As a native Texan, I can manage to stand it outdoors in the mid-90s, but this 100+ stuff is gettin' to be too much (to say nothing of my utility bills for the A/C ;)
And yes, humidity is definitely a factor. Mid to Upper 90s in Nawlins is pretty uncomfortable, but I've walked around outside when it was 113º in Phoenix and not felt nearly as bad...