First Alert Weather In-Depth: Sizzling South and the Heat Index

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) – If we go through the southern states many locations are going to be near the triple digit temperature. And this creates all kinds of problems as the mercury will be running 10 to 20 degrees above normal.

This increases heat-related illnesses because most people are not used to it this early in the season. As we try to cool our environment this creates a big stress on the power grid due to the electrically usage. And these folks already have a drought especially portions of Texas. This heat increases the rate of evaporation and it just makes the drought that much worse.

Here is one location to focus on and that is Oklahoma City. The temperature there today will be around 99 degrees and the heat index is expected to be around 104 degrees.

So what is the heat index? Keep in mind this is not the actual temperature, but a human comfort index. Specifically, this is defined as the level of discomfort the average person is going to experience as a result of temperature and humidity. So this index is meant to be combination of temperature and humidity and how it feels on the human body.

There is no doubt that our heat index is going up over the next couple of days here in Rochester. And it could be the highest so far the season.