Introduction

When you check the weather forecast, you may come across the term “feels-like temperature.” This value differs from the actual air temperature and aims to provide a more accurate representation of how it feels outdoors. So, how exactly is the feels-like temperature calculated?

Understanding Feels-Like Temperature

Feels-like temperature, also known as apparent temperature or real feel, combines various factors to create a single value that better illustrates how the weather feels to you. For instance, when it’s windy and cold outside, you may feel colder than the actual air temperature would suggest. Likewise, high humidity on a hot day can make it feel even hotter than it truly is.

Factors Influencing Feels-Like Temperature

There are three main factors that influence how humans perceive the outdoor temperature:

1. Air Temperature: This is the baseline or foundation of the feels-like temperature calculation. It refers to the measure of warmth or coldness in the air and is expressed in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.

2. Wind Speed: Cold winds can carry away heat from your body, making you feel colder than the air temperature suggests. The wind chill factor reflects this interaction between air temperature and wind speed.

3. Humidity: When there’s moisture in the air, your body’s ability to cool itself through sweating is affected. High humidity reduces your body’s evaporation efficiency and makes you feel hotter, while low humidity has an opposite effect.

Calculating Feels-Like Temperature

Two primary formulas help determine feels-like temperature based on different factors: wind chill index and heat index.

1. Wind Chill Index: Developed by scientists from Canada and the United States in 2001, this formula accounts for factors like air temperature and wind speed when calculating perceived temperatures in cold climates. The index ranges from cool (low numbers) to dangerously cold (extremely low numbers) on the scale.

2. Heat Index: Developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this formula considers air temperature and relative humidity to estimate how hot the weather feels, particularly during summer months. The index ranges from warm (low numbers) to dangerously hot (extremely high numbers) on the scale.

Modern weather services and apps use these formulas, as well as other variables such as solar radiation and cloud cover, to determine comprehensive feels-like temperature values.

Conclusion

The feels-like temperature is a more accurate representation of what it’s like outside as it accounts for factors such as wind speed and humidity in addition to the basic air temperature. Understanding how these elements interact can help you better interpret weather forecasts and be more prepared for outdoor activities or work conditions.