What is the heat index? And how dangerous is the heat wave in Kansas City?
Summer 2022 is bringing on the heat, which means the National Weather Service will issue heat advisories in Kansas City as temperatures rise to make sure people stay as safe as possible.
What is a heat index? Why does it matter?
When issuing a heat advisory, the National Weather Service typically uses a measurement called a heat index.
Heat indexes measure how hot it actually feels to the human body. It’s a combination of the temperature and the humidity in the air. It essentially measures the level of discomfort for a person, according to Brad Temeyer, a meterologist for the National Weather Service.
If it’s 92 degrees Fahrenheit outside but the relative humidity is 65%, then the heat index will be a whopping 108 degrees.
When the heat index reaches 105 degrees or more for two hours or longer during the day, NWS will issue a heat advisory for the area.
With temperatures in Kansas City reaching the high 90s by the end of the week and relative humidity forecasts around 30%, residents can expect the heat index to get up to 105 degrees by the end of the week.
You can use this tool to calculate the heat index near you.
What to do when there is an advisory
When there is an advisory in effect, it’s really important to do whatever you can to stay cool, Temeyer said.
Some tips for beating the heat include wearing light colored and loose fitting clothing. Remember to drink plenty of water. Try to limit any outdoor activities to the early morning or the late evening, to avoid the sun’s peak hours.
Lastly, if you do have to go outside, remember to take breaks and stay in the shade as much as possible.
“It’s really important to continue to take action to stay as cool as possible,” Temeyer said.
This story was originally published June 16, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
