Record Heat is Possible Saturday: How Hot Will it Actually Feel?

Tomorrow is going to be hot! Meteorologists are forecasting a high temperature of 100 degrees, which if reached, will match the record from back in 2009. This is well above the average of 81 degrees that we normally see during this time of year. Add in the ongoing drought and we have a recipe for a scorching Summer ahead.

However, what you may not realize is that the one benefit of this extremely dry weather is that it will make it feel more comfortable here in West Texas. How is that possible? Let's talk about the Heat Index.

The National Weather Service defines the Heat Index as your body's perception of the combination of the actual air temperature and the relative humidity outside. Relative humidity (RH) is essentially the amount of moisture in the air. The higher this measurement gets, the hotter it feels outside. That is why cities like Houston tend to be a bit more unbearable during the Summer season.

However, these are not the only elements that factor into this number. Wind speed and your exposure to direct sunlight can also cause this number to go up and down. While the West Texas wind can feel like a blow dryer in the hotter months of the year, it actually gives the illusion of a cooler forecast.

How you may ask? It causes our sweat to evaporate faster, which is how our body naturally cools down. Conversely, when RH is high and the wind is low, it makes it harder for evaporation to occur, making it feel hotter outside.

What Does This Mean For West Texas?

Tomorrow our forecasted high temperature is 100 degrees, but the wind will be at 10-20 MPH and the relative humidity will be at a measly five percent. This does not bode well for the threat of fire weather, but it will make it feel like 92 and NOT the triple digits.

Unfortunately though, this illusion of cooler conditions makes it easier for you to get dehydrated. That is because your body will lose heat faster thanks to your sweat evaporating more quickly and this will cause you to not think to replenish those liquids.

Therefore, drink up! Before, during, and after extended periods outdoors, make sure to consume plenty of water. Moreover, check out the gallery below to find some delicious water-rich roods to include in your diet that will help you double up on your intake of this vital liquid!