It has been a hotter-than-normal August so far, and it has also been very humid. That humidity makes it feel even hotter. Let's talk about why it makes us feel hotter and how we can stay safe during the heat.
Check out the dewpoints so far for the month of August.
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Every single day has yielded dewpoints that have reached at least 70°.
On top of that, our average temperature from Aug. 1 to Aug. 18 was the second warmest on record at RDU. Our average temperature was at 83.6°, which is 3.4° higher than average.
As it gets hotter outside, our body produces sweat to cool us off. When it is not as humid, that sweat is able to evaporate, which is a cooling process. When it's humid, that sweat does not evaporate as much, so we just lose water without as much of the cooling effect.
This can make the heat dangerous even when the air temperature is not in the triple digits. The heat index factors in both air temperature and the relative humidity to give us an idea of how the heat feel for us. When heat index values reach into the triple digits, especially for multiple days, our bodies can really feel the cumulative effects.
Remember these safety tips during the heat:
- Never leave kids or pets in a parked vehicle
- Drink water/stay hydrated
- Reduce strenuous activities
- Find shade or spend some time in the A/C
- Where lightweight, light colored clothing
Stay safe out there! Temperatures will finally back off a bit this weekend.