What is thermal sensation?

THE thermal sensation It is the perception of cold or heat that the human body experiences based on air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed. While room temperature is an important factor, it is not the only factor that determines how we perceive time.

Factors influencing thermal sensation

• air temperature: is the measurement of the heat of the air in degrees Celsius (°C).
• RH: it is the quantity of water vapor present in the air compared to the maximum quantity it can contain at a given temperature. It is expressed as a percentage.
• Wind speed: it is the speed with which the air moves.

How to calculate thermal sensation

There are several formulas for calculating thermal sensation. One of the most used is the Steadman’s formulawhich takes into account air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed.

Importance of thermal sensation

THE thermal sensation It is important because it allows us to know what time really feels like and not just the air temperature. This is important for making decisions about how to dress, do outdoor activities and protect our health.

Example: If the air temperature is 25°C, the relative humidity is 70% and the wind speed is 10 km/h, the wind chill could be 30°C. This means that the human body will perceive the heat as if the temperature were 30°C.

Tips to take thermal sensation into account

• Check weather information: Pay attention to air temperature, relative humidity and wind chill.
• Dress appropriately: wear clothing suited to wind chills, not just air temperatures.
• Hydrate properly: Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, especially on hot, humid days.
• Avoid intense physical activity during the hottest hours of the day: If you must do physical activity outdoors, do it in the coolest hours of the day and take frequent breaks in the shade.