why do the weather men give us the heat index if its 100 degrees its hot,i dont care about the index do you?

Answer 1

I'll assume the "nurse" in your name is accurate. Then you _really_ want to know this.

The heat index takes into account how hard it is for the body to get rid of excess heat. Given the same temperature, more humidity makes it harder.

So the heat index is far better than the temperature for knowing if elderly people are going to get overstressed. Or how likely an average person is to suffer heat exhaustion when working outdoors.

It's medically the more important number, by far. Rocks are only affected by temperature. People are affected by the heat index.

Answer 2

Everyone who has mentioned the humidity is right on. The other thing about a high heat index is it is hard to escape - shade won't do you much good. 100 degrees in a dry climate might give you a temperature in the 80s in the shade, but a heat index in the 100s may feel like it's in the 90s even when you're in the shade.

Answer 3

Heat Index is useful information if, lets say, you work outside or manage a crew that works outside.

Its also very useful if you intend to travel by plane.

When the heat index is way up some aircraft are grounded because they can't get enough lift to take off.

Answer 4

The heat index takes into account the humidity which makes it feel hotter than it actually is.

Answer 5

I agree. I think, they think, it makes them sound smart.