Thermal sensation: what is it, how it is calculated and factors

The thermal sensation is the temperature we really perceive in our bodyand does not always match the real temperature of the environment. This is because factors such as wind, humidity and solar radiation can make us feel colder or more heat than the thermometer marks.

For example, on a winter day with 5 ° C, if there is a strong wind, the thermal sensation can be of several degrees less, because the air moving accelerates heat loss in our skin. On the other hand, on a summer day with 30 ° C and a lot of moisture, we can feel even more heat, since sweat does not easily evaporates and the body has more difficulty cooling.

Therefore, thermal sensation is an important fact in time forecasts, since helps us prepare better For the real climate we will experience when leaving home.

In summer, thermal sensation is usually higher than real temperatureespecially in places with a lot of moisture. This is because our body regulates the temperature through sweat, which when evaporating refreshes us. However, when the air is very humid, the evaporation of sweat is slower and the skin remains hot, making us feel more heat than the thermometer indicates.

This phenomenon is measured by the Heat indexa value that combines temperature and humidity to indicate how hot the environment really feels. For example, if the 32 ° C brand thermometer, but moisture is 70%, the thermal sensation could be 40 ° C or more.

In addition, other factors such as Direct exposure to the sun, the lack of wind and the amount of surfaces that absorb heat (such as asphalt in cities) can further increase the feeling of embarrassment. That is why on very hot days it is recommended to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and wear light and breathable clothes to help the body regulate its temperature.

You may also be interested in this article about the difference between heat and temperature.

In winter, thermal sensation is usually lower than real temperatureabove all When there is wind. This occurs because moving air eliminates the heat layer faster that our body generates in the skin, making us lose heat more easily and feel colder than the thermometer indicates.

This effect is measured with the Wind cooling indexthat calculates how much lower the temperature feels depending on the wind speed. For example, if the real temperature is 0 ° C, but there are winds of 40 km/h, the thermal sensation could descend to -10 ° C or less.

In addition to the wind, Moisture It also influences. Although we generally associate moisture with heat, in winter it can intensify the feeling of cold. A humid atmosphere reduces the body’s ability to stay hot, because wet air transfers heat faster than dry air.

Therefore, in cold climates with wind it is important to shelter in layers, cover the limbs (hands, ears and feet are the first to cool) and avoid prolonged exposure at extreme temperatures to prevent problems such as hypothermia or freezing.

Discover when strong wind is considered.

Calculating the thermal sensation is not as simple as subtracting or adding degrees to the real temperature, since several factors such as wind, humidity and solar radiation intervene. There are specific formulas to estimate it in different climatic conditions.

Cold climates

A formula developed by meteorologists is used that combines the air temperature and wind speed. The most common version is:

St= 13.12+0.6215T−11.37V^0.16+0.3965TV^0.16

Where:

• ST = thermal sensation in degrees Celsius
• T = air temperature in degrees Celsius
• V = wind speed at km/h

This formula is only valid when the temperature is 10 ° C or less and the wind exceeds 4.8 km/h. If the wind is very strong, the thermal sensation can be several degrees less than the real temperature, which increases the risk of freezing or hypothermia.

Warm and humid climates

The thermal sensation is calculated with the heat index, which relates The temperature and relative humidity. One of the approximate formulas is:

IC= −8.784+1,611T+2.34H−0.146Th

Where:

• IC = Heat index in degrees Celsius
• T = Temperature in degrees Celsius
• H = relative humidity in percentage

This index is relevant when the temperature is 27 ° C or more and the humidity is high. If moisture is greater than 60%, thermal sensation may increase significantly, causing fatigue, dehydration or heat blows in extreme cases.

The thermal sensation does not depend only on the real air temperature, but on a combination of factors that affect the way our body perceives cold or heat:

• Wind: It is a key factor in thermal sensation, especially in winter. When there is wind, moving air eliminates the heat that the body generates in the skin, which makes us feel colder than the thermometer indicates. The stronger the wind is, the greater this effect.
• Humidity: Play a crucial role in thermal sensation, especially in summer. When the air is very humid, the sweat we produce to refresh ourselves evaporates with more difficulty, which prevents the body from regulating its temperature efficiently. This makes we feel more heat than there are really.
• Sun exposure: Solar radiation directly influences thermal sensation. Under the sun, a moderate temperature can feel much higher, especially if there is no wind. This is because our body absorbs the energy of the sun and heats up faster.
• Surfaces and environment: The type of surface and the environment where we are also affect thermal sensation. In cities, buildings and asphalt absorb and retain heat, increasing temperature compared to rural areas, where there is more vegetation that helps cool the air. This effect is known as an urban heat island. On the other hand, in winter, cold surfaces such as snow or water can amplify the sensation of cold by reflecting wind and humidity in the environment.
• Clothing and physical activity: The clothing influences how we feel the temperature. In winter, thermal and layers helps to keep body heat, while in summer, light and breathable clothing favors the evaporation of sweat and keeps the body fresh. Physical activity also alters thermal sensation. During exercise, the body generates more heat, so the temperature feels higher. In cold climates, this can be an advantage, but in hot climates it can increase the risk of dehydration and overheating.

Now that you know what thermal sensation is, do not miss the coldest places in the world.

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