Heat Stress: Heat vs Humidity (Phoenix, Tempe: to live in, pool, car)

[HX_Guy]

I was doing a search online for the average first 100 degree temp. in Phoenix (which is historically May 15th, so we're doing pretty good this year) and ran across this chart which shows heat vs humidity and is a good way to compare what the heat in Phoenix feels like compared to other cities with higher humidity.

Scroll down about 3/4 of the way to the Heat Stress Index:
Maricopa County Arizona Weather - Heat

You can see in many instances, where Phoenix is at 100 or 105 degrees but with 5-10% humidity, the temperate feels more like mid 90s or similar to say an East Coast city at 85-90 degrees but with 50%+ humidity.

[ranman469]

back in michigan it would be 89degs and 80% humd. that just sucked

[Righttime]

I'll take 110 deg @ 15% anyday over 80deg @ 80%. Breathing humid air is like you're drowning, HUMIDITY SUKS!!!!!!!!!!

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by ranman469

back in michigan it would be 89degs and 80% humd. that just sucked

I agree, Ranman . . . PLUS mosquitos the size of Chihuahuas! ! ! ! !

[HX_Guy]

Originally Posted by ranman469

back in michigan it would be 89degs and 80% humd. that just sucked

Damn, according to that chart that is like having 113 degree weather.

So...90 degrees @ 80% humidity in MI = 115 degrees in Phoenix @ 12% humidity, which is very common.

[vegaspilgrim]

I disagree. I think 100 degrees in the direct sun feels like 130 degrees. 100 degrees with no humidity in the shade, especially if there's a breeze is no big deal at all. 115 in the direct sun feels like 150 degrees. One of the most accurate ways of determining "how hot is hot" is going into your car with the windows rolled up and no air conditioning or heat. It can be 30 degrees and still feel warm if there's intense bright sunshine.

[HX_Guy]

As the website states:

"The Apparent Temperature or Heat Stress Index assumes a very light breeze and you being in the shade. Of course, how hot "it feels" varies from one person to another, but this index seems to give a good idea of what the hot weather "feels like".

[joninaz]

It's funny how people acclimate. We had a BBQ this weekend and people were putting their toes in the pool saying it was chilly. It was 83 degrees, which is warmer than the water in Hawaii or Bermuda and about as high as it gets in Tahiti. The water in SoCal might hit 70 in Aug. but the magic number here seems to be around 90. Maybe a bit less when high temps have been hitting us for weeks. In any case, I think people get used to a certain range of heat/cold, just as many folks find a way to live in very humid or dry areas.

[HX_Guy]

Yea, I've heard the same thing from friends...that they don't get in the pool until the water reached 90 degrees! That's pretty freaking warm...I think low 80s is perfect for the pool temperature.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by HX_Guy

Damn, according to that chart that is like having 113 degree weather.

So...90 degrees @ 80% humidity in MI = 115 degrees in Phoenix @ 12% humidity, which is very common.

The difference is, MI will probably never see 90 degrees with a 80% humidity reading. 80% humidity readings are usually in the mornings and late night, when the temps are cool and its not bad at all. On those occasional days when it reaches 90 degrees in MI, humidity readings are normally around 30-50% during peak temps, anything above that and it starts to get uncomfortable.

Just for grins n giggles I checked and found that Detroit only averages 12 days a year that are 90 degrees, and places like Traverse City only 8. Iron Mountain, MI only gets 4. IMO, MI (especially northern MI) has the best summers Ive yet to experience. Mackinac Island in summer is a dream-come-true, very pleasant temps and nice cool nights.