As humidity increases, the apparent temperature rises as well. For instance, if the temperature of the air is 90 degrees and the relative humidity rises to 70 percent, the apparent temperature would be 106 degrees. However, if the humidity is low, the apparent temperature can feel cooler than the actual temperature. Although many people believe the flashes of light often seen on clear summer nights are caused by excessive heat, Wax says there is no such thing. The flashes are actually reflected light from lightning that is too distant for the thunder to be heard.
Heat wave is another misused term.
A heat wave is a period of abnormal and unpleasant heat lasting for a few days. Wax says people do not always realize that a heat wave depends on the location. For example, above average temperatures for a few days in Seattle may be considered a heat wave, but those same temperatures may not be out of the ordinary in the South. For questions or information about this page, contact Kay Fike Jones . Mississippi State University does not discriminate.