Temperature Rising (Nashville, TN)
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: Nasvhille has experienced 20 consecutive days with temperatures 95 degrees or higher, beating the record of 19 days set in 1952! Pay attention to heat advisories and air quality reports in your area, and minimize the risks to your health during hot weather by following these tips:
- Wear clothing that is both light in color and weight, but be careful not to wear clothing that can expose you to sunburn. Sunburned skin inhibits your body’s cooling abilities.
- Drink plenty of water; avoid drinking alcohol and eating heavy meals.
- Try to limit outdoor activities, or do these activities during the coolest parts of the day.
- Seek shelter in an air conditioned environment, such as shopping malls and movie theaters. Doing so can reduce your risk of overheating.
Season: Summer
(Sources: National Weather Service. “JetStream: Heat Index.” http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/global/hi.htm; United States Environmental Protection Agency: Office of Atmospheric Programs. “Excessive Heat Events Guidebook.” Washington, DC. 2006 and Kalkstein, LS and Greene, JS. “An Evaluation of Climate/Mortality Relationships in Large U.S. Cities and the Possible Impacts of a Climate Change.” Environmental Health Perspectives Volume 105, Number 1, January 1997)
