1. What is Apparent Temperature (Heat Index) in Australia?

Definition: Apparent temperature, or heat index, measures how hot it feels when relative humidity and wind speed are factored with air temperature.

Purpose: It helps assess thermal comfort and heat stress risks in Australian conditions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Australian apparent temperature formula:

Where:

• \( HI \) — Heat Index/Apparent Temperature (°C)
• \( T \) — Air Temperature (°C)
• \( RH \) — Relative Humidity (%)
• \( V \) — Wind Speed (m/s)

Explanation: The formula accounts for how humidity increases perceived heat while wind provides cooling effects.

3. Importance of Heat Index Calculation

Details: Understanding apparent temperature helps prevent heat-related illnesses and guides outdoor activity planning.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter temperature in °C, humidity percentage (0-100), and wind speed in m/s. The calculator handles all conversions.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does Australia use a different formula?
A: This formula was developed specifically for Australian climate conditions and measurement standards.

Q2: How does wind affect apparent temperature?
A: Wind generally makes it feel cooler by increasing evaporation from skin (wind chill effect).

Q3: What's considered a dangerous heat index?
A: Apparent temperatures above 30°C become uncomfortable, and above 35°C can be dangerous with prolonged exposure.

Q4: Does this work for cold temperatures?
A: No, this formula is specifically for warm conditions. Australia uses different indices for cold weather.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a good estimate but doesn't account for individual factors like clothing, activity level, or solar radiation.