Heat Index

A Heat Index is a measure that combines air temperature and relative humidity to determine how hot it actually feels to the human body during outdoor activities. For campers and hikers, the heat index is crucial for assessing heat-related risks and planning safe outdoor adventures, as high humidity prevents sweat from evaporating efficiently, making the body feel much hotter than the actual air temperature. Understanding heat index values helps outdoor enthusiasts recognize dangerous conditions that could lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, typically becoming hazardous when values exceed 90°F (32°C).