Weather

What do you consider hot? It depends where you live

Have you ever seen an alert on your phone for a Heat Advisory or Excessive Heat Warning? Chances are you have, but how often you receive them depends on where you live.


What You Need To Know

  • Heat Advisories and Excessive Heat Warnings are most common
  • It’s based on the heat index, which factors in humidity 
  • Advisories and warnings are tailored to each region based on climate 

Most heat products from the National Weather Service are based on the maximum heat index, which is what the air “feels like” after factoring in humidity. While dry air can reach higher temperatures, humid air feels hotter because it slows down the sweat evaporation process that cools us.

According to the University of Iowa, it takes about two weeks for a healthy person to acclimate to a new climate. Factors such as age, weight and the type of weather you’re used to all play a role, but it doesn’t happen overnight.

For instance, the threshold for a Heat Advisory in the northeast won’t be the same as in Florida. Since people become accustomed to the climate they live in, the definition of “dangerous” heat (or cold) depends on what your body is used to.

Areas like New York City and New England will see a Heat Advisory triggered once the heat index reaches 95-99 degrees for two consecutive days, or 100-104 degrees for any duration.

For the hotter, more tropical climates like Florida and the Gulf Coast, people are used to oppressive heat and humidity. Heat Advisories don’t get issued until the heat index exceeds 108 degrees or the temperature exceeds 103 degrees.

The western U.S. uses “HeatRisk,” which is a combination of factors that determines the severity of excessive heat. It takes into consideration a handful of variables, including the time of year, how above average the temperatures are for a given location and the duration of unusual heat. 

As of Mid-July, central and west Texas are leading the pack for the number of Heat Advisories issued in 2022, closely followed by their neighbors in the Deep South.

(Courtesy: Iowa Environmental Mesonet)

Northern Arizona has issued the most Excessive Heat Warnings.

(Courtesy: Iowa Environmental Mesonet)

While these areas should be used to dangerous heat, most South Floridians only see a handful of Heat Advisories per year and rarely ever see an Excessive Heat Warning issued.

If the southeast used the same criteria as the northeast, there would be a Heat Advisory or Excessive Heat Warning in effect nearly every day during the summer. 

So what’s the bottom line? Always play it safe when you’re spending time outdoors in extreme heat. Be sure to stay hydrated in the sun and take breaks in the shade when necessary.

(Courtesy: National Weather Service)

 

Knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke could save your life.

 

 

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