Beware of dangerous heat index
Meteorologists often talk about the "heat index" which is the temperature the body feels when the air temperature (in Fahrenheit) and relative humidity are combined.
For example, during the months of July and August in south central Kansas, the humidity typically is more than 50 percent.
If the air temperature is 90 degrees F., and the humidity is 50 percent, the temperature feels like 96 degrees to the body.
These past few days of 100-plus temperatures and 70 percent humidity cause the body to respond to temperatures as if it was 144 degrees F.
Public health officials consider a heat index of more than 100 degrees F. to be hazardous. A heat index of 110 degrees F. or more is considered dangerous.
Precautions should be followed when the air temperature is more than 90 degrees F. and the humidity is more than 60 percent.
