Exercising in the heat and humidity of summer requires some caution to avoid
overheating or dehydration. The National Weather Service has created a "Heat
Index" (HI) to alert us to dangerous conditions when the heat and humidity
are high. Your local weather report may provide a value for the Heat Index
in your area. But what do the numbers mean?
| If the Heat Index is |
|
Watch out for |
| |
80° - 90° |
|
possible fatigue with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity |
| |
|
|
|
| |
90° - 105° |
|
possible sunstroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity |
| |
|
|
|
| |
105° - 130° |
|
likely sunstroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion, possible heatstroke with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity |
| |
|
|
|
| |
130° or above |
|
heatstroke/sunstroke highly likely with continued exposure |
It's important to note that the HI values were devised for shady, lightly
breezy conditions. Therefore, if you're in full sun, the values can increase
as much as 15 degrees.
Related information
About it - Physical activity
Source: National Weather Service. Heat Index Table.