e-meteo — Weather in Greece

e‑meteo · Meteopedia

What does feels-like temperature mean?

Why wind, humidity and solar radiation change thermal stress, and why no single index applies to every condition.

Feels-like temperature is a general term for indices that try to describe environmental effects on the human body. It is not a temperature measured by a thermometer.

Different indices use different variables and have specific limits. Wind chill applies to cold and wind, while heat index mainly describes warm, humid air in the shade.

Wind chillCold and wind
Heat indexHeat and humidity
Sun and activityCan greatly increase stress

Cold and wind

Wind increases heat loss from exposed skin and can make cold feel more severe. The standard wind-chill relationship applies only in low temperature and sufficient wind.

It does not predict object temperature or an exact frostbite time for every person.

Heat and humidity

High humidity slows sweat evaporation and reduces natural cooling. Heat index approximates this load for warm, humid conditions in the shade.

Direct sun, calm air, physical work, age, hydration and health can substantially increase actual risk.

More complex indices

UTCI and WBGT include more variables such as radiation and wind, but require suitable inputs and careful interpretation.

No index replaces medical advice or official occupational guidance. It is an indication for more conservative decisions.

These explanations and calculations are educational. For safety, occupational, health, marine or aviation decisions, follow the appropriate official services.

SOURCES

Further reading

RELATED TOPICS

Continue through Meteopedia

Why wind, humidity and solar radiation change thermal stress, and why no single index applies to every condition. Feels-like temperature is a general term for indices that try to describe environmental effects on the human body. It is not a temperature measured by a thermometer. Different indices use different variables and have specific limits. Wind chill applies to cold and wind, while heat index mainly describes warm, humid air in the shade.