The world is getting hotter. Just take a look around you. Forget climate change for now. Right now we just need to survive the summer of 2023. To do so one needs to know how to handle what scientists call wet-bulb temperature. But first some stats.
Individual days may not have broken any records for worst heat or highest temperature ever. But already this summer we are seeing overall record heatwaves. And here are some individual examples.
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On July 16, 2023 Death Valley in California hit a temperature of 128 degrees Fahrenheit (53.3 degrees Celsius) and in Phoenix Arizona locals suffered through a record breaking heatwave with 19 straight days that saw temperatures above 110 F (43.3 C). And the world saw the hottest single week on record overall already in July. And it is August that is the hottest month of the year.
Israel is seeing a July filled where 90 degrees (32 Celsius) seems to be the minimum for much of the country and half the days are breaking 95 degrees (35 Celsius).
So what do we do just to survive? After all, not everyone has air conditioning and even when you do have it the cost of electricity can be absurdly high in some places.
Well humidity plays a big role in all of this and that is where wet-bulb temperature plays a part.
Wet-bulb temperature is the lowest temperature that can be reached under current ambient conditions by the evaporation of water only. It is a measure of how hot and humid the air is, and it is used to assess the risk of heat stress.
The wet-bulb temperature limit for humans is the point at which the human body can no longer cool itself effectively through sweating. This limit is generally considered to be 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) at 100% humidity. At this temperature, the body’s natural cooling mechanisms are overwhelmed, and heat stroke can occur.
Even lower wet-bulb temperatures can be dangerous for people who are not heat-acclimated. For example, a wet-bulb temperature of 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) at 100% humidity can be dangerous for people who are not used to hot and humid weather.
As the climate warms, wet-bulb temperatures are expected to increase in many parts of the world. This could lead to an increase in heat-related deaths and illnesses.
There are many effects of wet-bulb temperatures on humans. For example, wet-bulb temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) can cause heat stress, which can lead to heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can be fatal.
And everyone knows about dehydration. Wet-bulb temperatures above 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) can cause dehydration. Dehydration can lead to a number of health problems, including heat stroke.
And heat stress can also be fatal so be careful out there.
And even when there is relatively low humidity, you can still be in trouble.
When you are somewhere near the sea you tend to get high humidity of above 70%. When that happens, even when it is not so hot, you feel hotter because it is harder for the body to cool off and the sweat just stays all over your skin. But at least you know it.
When the air is dry with just 20 to 30 percent humidity, a person’s sweat evaporates quickly. This poses a danger as many may not realize they are dehydrating because they do not feel sweaty.
So, as always, these days you should be drinking plenty of fluids, specifically water. Avoid soft drinks, even diet ones. The cold drink is refreshing, but it is actually dehydrating, especially when it is caffeinated.
Stay out of the sun and when forced to go out in daytime be sure to war a head covering and cover as much of your skin as possible. But also be sure to wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors do not absorb heat from the sunlight.
You should also avoid the gym, or any strenuous exercise. Even when indoors in an air conditioned place the added physical stress is not recommended these days.
And take a few quick cold showers a day, especially if you already feel heated up and sweaty. Even at room temperature the water will help to cool you off.
If you experience any of the symptoms of heat stress, such as dizziness, nausea, or headache, seek medical attention immediately.
