Checking the weather before stepping out for work, play, or fun has become common these days. In fact, our smartphones offer widgets on the homescreen and lock screen that display weather information all the time. But, there’s a small yet crucial problem with that.
What’s that? Well, that’s called “Feels Like” data. Confused? Let us explain.
If you open any weather app, there will be the temperature data displayed in ‘big bold’ letters. That’s important, but what’s even more important is ‘Feels Like’ data. Refer to the image below for a better understanding.
The mistake: Ignoring the ‘feels like’ temperature
Most weather apps display two temperature readings: the actual temperature and the “feels like” temperature. The mistake many users make is assuming the actual temperature is all that matters. In reality, it’s the “feels like” data that reflects how your body will experience the weather, factoring in humidity, wind chill, and other conditions.
Why is this ‘Feels Like’ data crucial?
The answer is hidden in the name itself – Feels like. Let’s assume that the temperature in your surroundings is 30 degrees as per the app. So, if you believe that the data and prepare accordingly, but the 30-degree feels like 35, then you will feel far more heat than 30 degrees. Which means, the temperature experience is far hotter than expected.
In winter, 10°C with strong wind could feel like 3°C or lower. Ignoring this data could lead to underdressing or overdressing, heat exhaustion, or even hypothermia in extreme cases.
What affects ‘feels like’ temperature?
Humidity: Makes hot days feel hotter by slowing sweat evaporation.
Wind chill: Makes cold days feel colder by speeding up heat loss from the body.
Wind speed: The speed of wind can also change the way you experience the surrounding in terms of temperature.
How to use this info correctly
Always check both temperatures: actual and “feels like.”
Dress according to the “feels like” reading, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors.
Use widgets or alerts that include both figures at a glance.
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