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What Is The Humidex? Information Supplied By Environment Canada Humidex The humidex is a Canadian innovation, first used in 1965. It was devised by Canadian meteorologists to describe how hot, humid weather feels to the average person. The humidex combines the temperature and humidity into one number to reflect the perceived temperature. Because it takes into account the two most important factors that affect summer comfort, it can be a better measure of how stifling the air feels than either temperature or humidity alone. The humidex is widely used in Canada. However, extremely high readings are rare except in the southern regions of Ontario, Manitoba and Quebec. Generally, the humidex decreases as latitude increases. Of all Canadian cities, Windsor, Ontario has had the highest recorded humidex measurement: 52.1 on June 20, 1953. The hot, humid air masses which cause such uncomfortable weather usually originate in the Gulf of Mexico or the Caribbean. Relative humidityRelative humidity is the amount of moisture that the air contains compared to how much it could hold at a given temperature. A figure of 100 per cent would mean that the air has become saturated. At this point, mist, fog, dew and precipitation are likely. Relative humidity is normally at its maximum when the temperature is at its lowest point of the day, usually at dawn. Even though the absolute humidity may remain the same throughout the day, the changing temperature causes the ratio to fluctuate. Guide to summer comfortRange of humidex: Degree of comfort
An extremely high humidex reading can be defined as one that is over 40. In such conditions, all unnecessary activity should be curtailed. If the reading is in the mid to high 30s, then certain types of outdoor exercise should be toned down or modified, depending on the age and health of the individual, physical shape, the type of clothes worn, and other weather conditions. If working outdoors is an absolute necessity, drink plenty of liquids and take frequent rest breaks. In hot, humid conditions, there is a considerable risk of heat stroke and sun stroke. During the dog days of summer, remember that Fido too feels the heat. When the humidex is high, take special care to ensure that your pet is well-protected from the heat and has plenty of water to drink. Despite its limitations, the humidex remains a useful, and hence popular, means of determining how hot it actually feels outside.
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