Heat waves are not going away
Our daily comfort, and potentially our health, is affected by how we subjectively experience the ambient temperature, which can be particularly felt during the recent hot days.
Heat sensation is not, as it might seem, solely derived from air temperature. It is made up of complex interactions between various atmospheric factors, such as air and ground temperature, air humidity, wind speed and solar radiation.
This is vital because during hot weather, the feeling of being steamy and hot, in addition to the high temperature, can be compounded by these very factors:
– high humidity – makes it difficult for sweat to evaporate and the body to cool down,
– the nature of the ground – the thermal radiation emitted by the heated concrete or asphalt surfaces on which we move intensifies the feeling of heat, especially in large cities with little greenery,
– wind speed – in windless conditions, the efficiency of heat exchange between the surface of our bodies and the air decreases, which increases the feeling of heat; an increase in wind speed has a cooling effect on our body,
– solar radiation and degree of cloud cover – of course, in bright sunshine the feeling of heat increases.
We should also not forget the additional factors mentioned, such as, among others, our natural cooling mechanisms especially through the production and evaporation of sweat, the effort we make at any given time or our clothing.
– In order to protect ourselves from the heat and strong sun (UV radiation!), let’s use shade, apply sunscreen, protect our eyes, regularly replenish our fluids, and avoid excessive exertion – appeals dr Tymoteusz Sawiński from the Department of Climatology and Atmospheric Protection, Institute of Geography and Regional Development at the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Warsaw. – And most importantly: let’s take care of the people we care for, especially young children and seniors! They often do not remember to protect themselves or do not know how to do so. If we neglect this, it is easy to have a mishap. And let’s not forget our four-legged friends either!
We encourage you to follow the series on summer threats on the LIFE-MAPPINGAIR project website.
And read about what the UTCI index is and why it is worth tracking it especially in hot weather on the website.
