Understanding the feels like temperature: Weather & Radar’s sophisticated heat measurement tool

Ever wonder why 75°F can feel like 90°F? Discover how Weather & Radar’s feels like temperature gives a truer sense of the heat, by factoring in wind, humidity, and clouds.

When stepping outside on a sunny day, the actual air temperature tells only part of the story. For a more accurate sense of how the weather truly feels, meteorologists often refer to the feels like temperature. Unlike the basic thermometer reading, which simply measures the air temperature, the feels like temperature incorporates additional environmental factors including wind speed, humidity, and cloud cover to provide a more holistic view of the outdoor conditions.

The feels like temperature is particularly useful because it addresses how the human body perceives temperature. For instance, high humidity can make the air feel much hotter than the thermometer indicates. This is quantified through the heat index, which combines air temperature and humidity.

However, the heat index falls short on breezy or overcast days, where wind and cloud cover significantly modify thermal perceptions. On windy days, for example, even if the thermometer reads a balmy 93°F, brisk winds can make it feel more like a more comfortable 83°F.

In summary, the feels like temperature offers a more complete and practical measure of how conditions will feel outside. By considering not just the heat index but also the wind chill factor and the effect of cloud cover, this metric helps people understand and prepare better for the weather.

Tap this link to see what the feels like temperature is near you.