Humans can't endure temperatures and humidities as high as previously thought

[rcjordan]

researchers found that the actual maximum wet-bulb temperature is lower — about 31°C wet-bulb or 87°F at 100% humidity — even for young, healthy subjects. The temperature for older populations, who are more vulnerable to heat, is likely even lower.

https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/humans-cant-endure-temperatures-and-humidities-high-previously-thought/

[ergophobe]

"Wet bulb" is a term that few of us knew a few years ago that is rapidly entering the general lexicon.

A major wet bulb event is what kicks off The Ministry of the Future (vaguely on my list, but have not read it)

[rcjordan]

"About a fifth of the human population was just subjected to almost unimaginably long-lasting extreme heat, and the ultimate toll, if we can accurately assess it, will tell us quite a lot about how some of us might suffer through the future climate.

If the current pattern continues to hold, with fuller calculations showing a still relatively limited impact, five hypotheses provide at least partial explanations: problems with data; the dryness of the heat wave; local adaptation and response; that the hottest parts of the world may already be relatively acclimated to extreme heat; and that our casual use of "wet-bulb" readings may be misleading about actual mortality risk."

Opinion | The Mysteriously Low Death Toll of the Heat Waves in India and Pakistan - The New York Times
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/14/opinion/environment/heat-waves-india-pakistan-climate-change.html

[rcjordan]

Yesterday (been this way for weeks. Decent rains due to lots of thunderstorms)  Temps are ok but the humidity is brutal.

Max/Min Temperatures:
88°F - 70°F   

Total Precipitation:
0.00 in.

Max/Min Relative Humidity:
100%  -  55%  (95- 80% most of the daylight hours)

[Brad]

Except for a week to 10 days of around 90 degrees (like in June), this has been a very mild summer, which is strange.

[rcjordan]

>strange

Temps have been slightly lower here along the coast this summer.  Mostly mid-80s. Which is odd.  The interior of NC has been baked, though.  But humidity here has been high for longer periods during the day.  I saw some farmers and outdoor workers at the mega-farm restaurant yesterday ...they were suffering.  I worked on a mower deck much of the day and had to set up a big fan outside.

[Travoli]

July 2022 was highest on record in Austin, TX. Average daily high of 103.8

https://www.kvue.com/article/weather/austin-hottest-july-recorded-history/269-ac8b08d9-813f-4087-9dd9-46e36f4f9834

[Rumbas]

We've had several records this summer as well. Got to 39c at some point. Never experienced that before.