Heat Stress
Helpful Links
- CDC Heat Stress Prevention Guide
- About Heat Index: What is it?
- How to be Safe in Hot Weather
- Suggestions for Preventing Heat Stress
- UNC's Heat Stress Policy
Heat Index on the Web
The local Heat Index is available on the web. With a link on your desktop screen, you can quickly determine this value at any time and compare it with the heat stress warning levels.Obtaining the Heat Index
Go to weatherbug.com.- Enter your location zip code.
- Save the site in your favorites.
- Drag the site from Favorites into you computer’s desktop display.
- A ladybug with the words Chapel Hill, NC weather (if your location is Chapel Hill) underneath will serve as your quick link to local weather including the Heat Index.
Or, just click on the bug to go to the website and add to favorites and drag from favorites to your desktop screen.
Using the Heat Index
The heat index will appear in the WeatherBug weather data when the index level exceeds 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Verify that the geographic location is correct and the screen is updated to the current time.
If the National Weather Service issues a Heat Advisory, it will appear in the Alert section. The National Weather Service devised the heat index formula to provide guidance on the warning levels for possible heat disorders that may be experienced by individuals with prolonged exposure to these conditions or when strenuous activity is anticipated for only part of the day.
| Heat Index Range | Warning Level |
|---|---|
| 80 - 90 | Caution |
| 91 - 103 | Extreme Caution |
| 104 - 124 | Danger |
| Greater than 125 | Extreme Danger |