Micki Olson, University at Albany – Understanding the Heat Index

Not everyone understands the heat index on a summer day, which can lead to medical issues.

Micki Olson, senior research scientist in the college of emergency preparedness, homeland security and cybersecurity at the University at Albany, explores how to simplify this language to keep people safe.

Micki Olson is a risk communication expert who specializes in how to design alert and warning messages for risks ranging from natural hazards to public health emergencies.

She studies how communication shapes people’s reactions to risks. She is passionate about helping experts and public safety officials write concise, understandable, and impactful messages for the public

Understanding the Heat Index

Extreme heat is the deadliest weather-related hazard. And these types of events are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.

Meteorologists often use the term “heat index” to describe how hot it feels when humidity is factored in. However, our research reveals that many people don’t fully understand this term or its implications for their health.

We conducted 16 focus groups in various cities of the United States, from the dry heat of Phoenix to the humid conditions of Houston. The results were eye-opening: a significant portion of participants confused the heat index with the actual air temperature, while others were unaware of the additional risks posed by high humidity.

If people do not understand the information they receive, they will have a hard time protecting themselves. So, we emphasize the need for clearer communication about extreme heat. Instead of using technical terms like “heat index,” we suggest using more descriptive language that conveys the real-life impacts of heat and humidity. For instance, saying that the temperature will feel different due to humidity helps people better understand the conditions they will experience. Also, explaining that high humidity makes it harder for sweat to evaporate and affects the body’s ability to cool down should also be helpful.

Effective risk communication can save lives, especially as we face more extreme weather events. By improving how we communicate about heat risks, we can help people better understand and protect themselves from the dangers of extreme heat.

Read More:
[The Conversation] – Heat index warnings can save lives on dangerously hot days − if people understand what they mean