PEORIA, Ill. — The heat index hasn’t been around too long, it was created in 1979, but it’s part of our summer time vernacular.
News partner 25 News Chief Meteorologist Chuck Collins explains that the heat index is what it feels like to our bodies when we’re exposed to the outdoor temperature and humidity.
“Our bodies sweat to prevent us from over heating. When sweat is evaporated properly, it reduces our body temperature,” Collins said.
“But, when humidity increases, the rate of evaporation decreases, so our bodies don’t cool down as they should and that can lead to problems,” Collins added.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are concerns for individuals spending an extended amount of time outdoors in the extreme heat.
For information from the Peoria City/County Health Department, click HERE.
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