Influence of temperature on human beings
The human body is constantly in conflict with thermal environmental conditions. It is the aim of the human organism to keep the body temperature at a constant 37° C (= 98.6° F). To achieve this a balance must be maintained between heat production and heat loss. As thermal regulation is linked with blood pressure, in the event of increased stress caused by heat or cold, the demands placed on the cardiovascular system are also increased. Typical mortality data usually demonstrates a minimum in the summer, except if there is a pronounced heat wave. There are more fatalities if temperatures are elevated over a period of a number of days. It is predominantly older people with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases that are affected. However, it is more difficult to understand the effects of heat waves that do not lead to death. It is generally to be expected that thermal stress will have a negative influence on people's general state of health, efficiency and sense of well-being.
Unit of measurement for heat stress
The easiest unit of measurement for heat stress is the air temperature. However, as the body can lose a lot of heat by sweating, the air humidity also has a great influence on sensitivity to temperature. There are numerous indices that attempt to capture this sensitivity to heat in a figure: quite simple and easy to calculate or complicated heat balance models that simulate the influences of temperature on the human body. It is only with these complex models that you can really talk about the "temperature you feel".
MeteoSwiss currently uses the heat index of the American weather service (NOAA) as a unit of measurement for heat. As well as the temperature, it also takes the air humidity into account. The reason: heat is tolerated better if the air is dry than when there the air humidity is high (muggy or close). If the threshold of 90 on three consecutive days is exceeded, then the authorities responsible receive a "heat flash" with information as to approximately how much longer the period of hot weather is due to last.
What you should do during hot periods
The human body is constantly in conflict with thermal environmental conditions. It is the aim of the human organism to keep the body temperature at a constant 37° C (= 98.6° F). To achieve this a balance must be maintained between heat production and heat loss. As thermal regulation is linked with blood pressure, in the event of increased stress caused by heat or cold, the demands placed on the cardiovascular system are also increased. Typical mortality data usually demonstrates a minimum in the summer, except if there is a pronounced heat wave. There are more fatalities if temperatures are elevated over a period of a number of days. It is predominantly older people with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases that are affected. However, it is more difficult to understand the effects of heat waves that do not lead to death. It is generally to be expected that thermal stress will have a negative influence on people's general state of health, efficiency and sense of well-being.
Unit of measurement for heat stress
The easiest unit of measurement for heat stress is the air temperature. However, as the body can lose a lot of heat by sweating, the air humidity also has a great influence on sensitivity to temperature. There are numerous indices that attempt to capture this sensitivity to heat in a figure: quite simple and easy to calculate or complicated heat balance models that simulate the influences of temperature on the human body. It is only with these complex models that you can really talk about the "temperature you feel".
MeteoSwiss currently uses the heat index of the American weather service (NOAA) as a unit of measurement for heat. As well as the temperature, it also takes the air humidity into account. The reason: heat is tolerated better if the air is dry than when there the air humidity is high (muggy or close). If the threshold of 90 on three consecutive days is exceeded, then the authorities responsible receive a "heat flash" with information as to approximately how much longer the period of hot weather is due to last.
What you should do during hot periods
Make sure you take on board sufficient fluids, but little in the way of drinks that are alcoholic, heavily sweetened, very cold or contain caffeine.
Spend longer periods outdoors (in the morning or evening)
Ventilate interior spaces well in the morning, then prevent solar radiation getting in (curtains/blinds)
Find shady places or cooled spaces
Wear appropriate clothing (lightweight, pale, comfortable)
Never leave anyone in a closed vehicle
Check on older people and those who live alone more frequently
Further information on heat waves
Influence of high temperatures and long dry periods on nature
Consequences of long dry periods. |
Dry soil |
Dried out river bed |
