Why Humidity Is Making India’s Heatwave Deadlier Today: Real Feel vs. Temperature & Safety Rules
Learn how humidity increases the real feel temperature during India's heatwaves, the health risks involved, and essential safety tips to stay protected.
The temperature extends beyond 40 degrees Celsius, which, without humidity, is considered too hot. However, based on averages, many people already feel hotter than what their thermometer will say.
Humidity is a growing contributor to heat stress, especially in coastal and urban areas with high population density, according to meteorologists.
What Is the ‘Real Feel’ Temperature?
Generally, the heat index (or “heat index” or “how hot it would feel”) is determined by combining air temperatures with the amount of humidity in the air at that location to compute a heat index number.
The body naturally cools itself through sweating. Sweat evaporating off the body removes thermal energy/heat from the skin.
Why Humidity Makes Heatwaves More Dangerous
High humidity can increase the chances of:
– Heat exhaustion
– Heat stroke
– Dehydration
– Fatigue
– Dizziness
– Difficulties in breathing
Safety Rules During Humid Heatwaves
Please follow these tips when you are in a climate with both a high heat index and high humidity:
– Drink water often throughout the day
– Avoid outdoor activity from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM daily
– Wear loose-fitting light-coloured cotton clothing
– Try to remain within shaded areas or at least well-ventilated areas
– Use cool showers, fans, and wet cloths to cool your body
– Avoid excess alcohol and caffeine
India Rain Alerts, Cyclone Updates & Monsoon Watch
Explore Bay of Bengal low pressure update?
Discover coastal cities expecting heavy rain tonight.
Check Assam Meghalaya dangerous road routes?
Explore areas affected by heavy rainfall and alerts.
Discover Srinagar Shimla thunderstorm travel safety?
Check whether hill station travel is advisable this week.
Explore India monsoon arrival rainfall forecast?
Discover expected rain trends for Mumbai and North India.
Check Delhi airport delays sudden rainstorms?
Explore why storms are disrupting flight schedules.
Final Words
In India, the humidity associated with heat waves makes them a greater threat to people’s health than the temperature alone indicates. When a thermometer reads a temperature that is still considered tolerable, heat-related stress on the human body increases substantially because sweat cannot cool the body as efficiently when there is a higher amount of moisture in the air.
FAQs
What does Real Feel mean (feels like)?
Real Feel (feels like temperature) refers to how much heat is actually created when you combine the amount of humidity with the existing air temp.
Why does humidity make it feel like the temp is warmer?
Humidity slows down your body’s ability to cool off through evaporation by preventing you from easily sweating enough to cool off.
Where is humid heat the worst?
Coastal cities and areas with high levels of humidity experience some of the highest heat index values.
What are the initial symptoms associated with heat exhaustion?
Dizziness, excessive sweating, weakness, headaches and nausea are symptoms that can occur during the first stages of heat exhaustion.
