Humidity Amplifies the Impact of Triple-Digit Temperatures
As temperatures soar into the triple digits, the accompanying humidity is making it feel even more oppressive. For those who spend time outdoors, whether exercising or working, these conditions can have a significant impact.
Hayley Root, an assistant professor at Northern Arizona University’s athletic training program, highlights the challenges: “It only has to be right around 60% or 70% humidity when the body really struggles to cool itself,” she explains.
This is particularly notable in regions like the Valley, where dry conditions are the norm. Root advises caution for outdoor activities during these humid periods. “If it is higher humidity and whatnot; if you’re going to be exercising outdoors or when I think of these hikers who go out on trails, like it’s not the best time to be by yourself,” she advises.
Hydration and timing are key strategies to mitigate the risks. Root recommends exercising early in the morning between 6 and 9 a.m. or later in the evening from 6 to 9 p.m.
“It’s always on those weird off days where it just happens to be way higher in humidity or there’s just some kind of exception to the weather that makes it a little bit more physiologically straining for people. And that’s typically when we’ll see like higher heat illnesses,” Root notes.
Symptoms of heat-related illnesses can manifest as dizziness, fatigue, headaches, confusion, and irritability, according to Root. These can be particularly dangerous if not addressed promptly.
