Heat index and NOAA chart

[arkansasbob]

Hi folks; I suffered heatstroke this year for the first time. I am a mountain biker. Because of that, I have
become very careful about Heat Index numbers. The problem with all of the Kestrel meters I have researched
only give you the Heat Index number. They do not provide the range. What I mean is if you look at the
Heat Index Chart at NOAA, there are 4 ranges: Caution, Extreme Caution, Danger, and Extreme Danger. This
info becomes important when I am trying to figure out my next step after getting the actual number from the
Kestrel. I carry this chart with me, but it's a nuisance to have to stop and look at it. I don't have a Kestrel yet,
and am temporalily using my cell phone, which is a bigger nuisance. Fixing this problem should only require a
simple software patch. All I'm asking is for the appropriate range to be shown next to the Heat Index number
on the Kestrel, so I know at a glance how serious the situation is becoming for me, and wether I need to slow
down, drink more water and gatoraide, or just get off the bike and walk, or turn around and head for my car.
Since Heat Index numbers vary with temperature and humidity, it's impossible to remember which range a
specific number will fall into.
Thanks for reading. Make a fast sale of a 4500 and fix this, and my order will be on the way. BobL.

[BenNK]

Hi Bob,

I'm sorry to hear about the heatstroke, I too exercise quite often outdoors in the hot summer sun (sometimes in high humidity too!) so I can relate to your concern. If I'm reading the NOAA chart correctly, the four ranges are as follows: 80-90F (Caution), 91-103F (Extreme Caution), 104-124F (Danger), and 125+ (Extreme Danger). Unfortunately given the large number of projects we're working on at the moment, I don't believe we'll be making a code change to exhibit which range the heat index falls into. However, given that there are technically 3 ranges, a mnemonic device might prove useful when you're out on the trail (I say 3 because 125 is a relatively easy number to remember, and there's no cap on that for extreme danger).

The first range (Caution) isn't too hard, 80-90 (actually an 11 degree range if you count it out, but they're nice round numbers so that's not too bad). Then the next is a 13 degree range starting from 91, and the last before the 'capless' extreme danger zone is a 21 degree difference (although like the first range, just think "4"'s, 104 to 124, rather than "0"'s.

If this doesn't help (as it may not since I have an easier time with numbers than most) I recommend finding another way to relate those ranges to something else you know (or can convince yourself of). Something that comes to mind would be average bone densities correlating with age, if that's not too depressing.

Anyway, I hope that helps a little. Please remember though that heat index is simply a tool to help you, and since every person's body is different, the biggest tool you have is your own body. As I'm sure you're already aware, knowing the warning signs of heat stroke and ensuring you're hydrated and cooling your body by pouring water on your arms/back are some additional measures that can be taken.

Good luck with all you're mountain biking endeavors and I hope this helps you remember a little more easily the NOAA chart!