U Of I Extension Climate Specialist Explains Heat Index

Effingham, IL-(Vandalia Radio)- We will likely hear the term “heat index” quite a bit this week.

A University of Illinois Extension Climate Specialist explains what that really means.

The heat index is a measure of the actual temperature combined with the relative humidity to provide a “feels like” temperature says the Extension’s Duane Friend.

Friend says when the humidity is high, not as much sweat is evaporating off our bodies to cool us off.  That’s when heat related illness can occur.