Historical Perspective and New Indices for Prolonged Heat Severity Periods Utilizing Heat Index and Wet Bulb Globe Temperature

As extended periods of more intensive heat spread across the globe, understanding various metrics in describing heat severity are important for accurate public dissemination. Over the years, heat index has been the main driving numerical value to indicate heat stress on humans, but in more recent years wet bulb globe temperature has emerged to give a more accurate portrayal. This study analysis historical heat index and wet bulb globe temperature values from the Oklahoma Mesonet over the past 30 years. Spatial and temporal comparisons and differences between the two variables will be discussed and additional cumulative heat indices presented will show alternate methods for describing the intensity and severity of prolonged heat periods.