Local Study: Wet Bulb Globe Temperature and EWX Heat Products

Title: Local study: Wet Bulb Globe Temperature and EWX Heat Products

UIW Student: Donald Puente Jr.

Mentor: Pat Vesper, Yvette Benavidez Van Pelt, Orlando Bermudez, Nick Hampshire

Institution: Austin/San Antonio National Weather Service Forecasting Office, New Braunfels, TX

Program: NSF Grant Student-Driven Internship Opportunities in the Atmospheric Sciences: Breaking Barriers to Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Access

Abstract:

The correlation between Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) and heat products issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) was studied so that in the future it may be used as criteria to help forecasters issue heat products. WBGT measurements are more complex than heat index because WBGT factors in wind speed, temperature, sun angle and cloud cover. As opposed to measuring the heat index which only takes into consideration temperature and relative humidity. This study looked at Austin and San Antonio for WBGT during the heat products issued during the 2023 summer. Specifically, data was collected during June and July. Heat illness report data from area hospitals was collected while WBGT was at its peak during the issued heat products. The results were well aligned with the heat products as the WBGT was high during the respective advisories and warnings. The heat illness data helps support the use of WBGT since increased heat illness rates coincide with high WBGT. Studies on whether WBGT may help narrow the heat products for the National Weather Service will continue. The purpose of this is to help inform the public if weather conditions reach levels necessary for an advisory or excessive heat warning.