Beware of Wet Bulb this summer!
- kimberlyannecv
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
As we approach warmer and more humid weather, let's be more mindful about the time we spend outdoors and address the possible dangers with it. Today we will address the phenomenon of rising temperatures and humidity imposing the body's natural ability to cool down, this is called a Wet Bulb event.
The term Wet Bulb comes from the method used to measure the lowest temperature air can be cooled to by the evaporation of water. Basically, the temperature of your body would feel while sweating. They find this by wrapping a moistened paper towel on the end of the thermometer. Since sweat cools down your body, the Wet Bulb temperature is usually lower than your Dry Bulb temperature. However, with rising humidity this may not always be the case, and that places the body in a very dangerous situation.
The human body must maintain an internal body temperature of about 98.6 degrees fahrenheit, or at least between the ranges of 97 to 99 degrees fahrenheit. Anything above 104 degrees fahrenheit is a sign of heatstroke. When our body gets too hot, we sweat. But there are certain conditions that must be met in order for us to sweat. The surrounding temperature must be hotter than the internal temperature. And the humidity must be lower than 50%.
Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. If there's full capacity of humidity then our sweat will not evaporate and we will not cool down. That is a Wet Bulb event. According to the journal article "An adaptability limit…", the critical heat limit for humans is 95 degrees Fahrenheit at 100% humidity. In the US, states like Alaska and Louisianna can experience up to 75% humidity. So it's important that we find different ways to maintain a cool temperature and avoid overheating or suffering from a Wet Bulb event.
We can stay cool by doing the following:
Limit time spent outside. - If you know that the weather is going to be the hottest, try your best to stay indoors. If you must leave the house, make sure to wear sunscreen and use a hat or umbrella with UV protection. And always make sure to bring a water bottle with you.
Stay at the mall or at the store. - Prices tend to spike during hot weather, so take advantage of public spaces like indoor malls with A/C to stay cool.
Take cold showers. - Cold showers are a quick and easy way to cool down. But please take precaution when doing it so soon after being outside as the sudden change in temperature may do you more harm than good.
Stay cool and stay safe!
Image by Freepik
"An adaptability limit to climate change due to heat stress" by S.C. Sherwood, & M. Huber https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0913352107
Most and Least humid states
Heatstroke
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board
