Temperature Rising
The National Weather Service uses the “Heat Index” to indicate how hot the weather feels to the body when temperature and humidity are taken into account. It is important to remember, however, that the values in the Heat Index are calculated for shady conditions – it can feel up to 15 degrees hotter in direct sunlight! Air pollution can also become a problem on hot days, when when pollutants from car exhaust, factories, and other sources react with heat and sunlight to create ground-level ozone pollution.
Viewer Tip: Kids tend to spend more time outside and perform more vigorous activities, such as running and outdoor sports, which can expose them to health risks from heat and poor air quality. Pay attention to heat advisories and air quality reports in your area, and when conditions are poor, consider rescheduling sports games and other outdoor activities for another day. If you do go outside, aim for early morning or evening hours, when temperatures and air pollution levels are likely to be lower.
Season: Summer
(Sources: National Weather Service. “JetStream: Heat Index.” http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/global/hi.htm; Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. “Asthma Facts and Figures.” http://www.aafa.org/print.cfm?id=8&sub=42))
