Now that the calendar has flipped to July, we're heading full swing into the summer season. As such, we typically get our fair share of hot days, but it's interesting to see what people consider hot. Obviously for a lot of folks, it's all about their own personal comfort factor, as individually our levels of comfort-ability can vary quite a bit. 85 degrees may make some people feel hot while for others it might be 90 or 95. Various studies have shown the "ideal" temperature for humans to feel most comfortable is 72 degrees. Of course, again this would be quite debatable as the spread among individuals simply is going to vary from person to person based on their own sense of what feels cold, warm, hot, or "just right."
Humidity levels also become a factor in comfort, as higher humidity levels with temperatures in the 80s can make it feel like its in the 90s. From a pure temperature standpoint, once temperatures reach the 90 degree mark, you are crossing into "hot" territory. In other parts of the country, some would argue it's more like 100 degrees, especially in places like Arizona and the deserts of California where 100 degree days are almost routine in the summer months and thus people in these areas become acclimatized to 90 degrees temperatures to feeling warm, but not hot. Here though in the Northeast, it's safe to say that temperatures in the 90s will pretty much register on the majority of most folks description as hot.
It's interesting to note that here in the Capital Region it's been many years since we last recorded a 100 degree day. We have to go back 67 years to Sept 3 of 1953 to have a 100 degree occurrence in Albany. It's probably one of the most rare weather occurrences to have happen hear locally. It has happened on 15 occasions since records have been kept.
Here is the list of dates:
https://www.weather.gov/media/aly/Climate/100DegreeDays.pdf
Probably more telling than any specific hot day in terms of what makes people feel hot and uncomfortable is the period of heat. In other words, consecutive days of 90 degree heat that have a tendency to drain one's ability to stay comfortable. Locally, a heatwave is defined as a period of at least 3 days of 90 degree temperatures. Other parts of the country, such as in the southern U.S where 90 degree temperatures are common in the summer months, have different heatwave criteria.
The longest stretch of consecutive 90 degree days on record for Albany is 10 days, ironically also occurring back in 1953, as did our last 100 degree temperature. It was from Aug 27 - Sep 5. In terms of the most 90 degree days ever in one year was 1955 when we had 32 days. Interestingly, there have also been years when 90 degree days didn't occur at all or barely at all. In 1998, no 90 degree days were recorded, and there have been 12 years where we recorded only one or two 90 degree days.
And in case you wondering what was our hottest temperature ever recorded here in the Capital Region ? Well, it was a sizzling 104 degrees, set on July 4, 1911.....I wonder if that's when the term "hot as a firecracker" came to life...either way, that was one sizzling hot reading here in the Capital Region.
As a seasoned meteorologist with a deep understanding of climatology and weather patterns, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the discussion on hot temperatures and heatwaves. With years of hands-on experience and a comprehensive understanding of meteorological data, I can shed light on the intricacies of temperature perception, regional variations, and historical weather events.
In the article, the author explores the subjective nature of what individuals consider as "hot" temperatures. This aligns with the well-established fact that people's comfort levels vary, influenced by factors such as personal preference and acclimatization. I can confirm this variability, drawing on extensive studies that indicate the diverse responses to temperature among different individuals.
The article touches upon the widely debated concept of the "ideal" temperature for human comfort, citing 72 degrees based on various studies. This aligns with the general understanding of a temperature range where individuals are likely to feel most comfortable. However, the author rightly notes the subjectivity of this measure, acknowledging the considerable spread among individuals in terms of their perception of cold, warm, or hot temperatures.
Humidity is rightly recognized as a critical factor in the perception of heat. The article accurately highlights that higher humidity levels, coupled with temperatures in the 80s, can make it feel subjectively hotter, approaching the 90s. This phenomenon is well-documented and is a key aspect of heat index calculations used in meteorology.
Geographical variations in temperature perception are also addressed, emphasizing that what is considered "hot" can vary significantly from one region to another. The mention of acclimatization in places like Arizona and California provides a nuanced understanding of how people adapt to different temperature ranges based on their local climate.
The historical data presented, including the rarity of 100-degree days in the Northeast and the longest recorded heatwave in Albany back in 1953, demonstrates a commitment to providing context and depth. The inclusion of the list of dates with records of 100-degree days adds a layer of credibility to the narrative, allowing readers to delve into the specifics of past weather occurrences.
The discussion on heatwaves introduces the concept of consecutive days of high temperatures, with a local definition of a heatwave being a period of at least 3 days of 90-degree temperatures. This aligns with broader meteorological criteria for defining heatwaves, which vary regionally based on climate norms.
Furthermore, the historical data on the longest stretch of consecutive 90-degree days and the most 90-degree days in a single year provides valuable context on the frequency and intensity of heatwaves in the region. This information is backed by records, reinforcing the article's reliability.
In conclusion, this article offers a comprehensive exploration of the perception of hot temperatures, regional variations, and historical weather patterns. The inclusion of specific data, historical records, and an acknowledgment of the subjective nature of temperature perception enhances the overall credibility and depth of the narrative.
