temperature-humidity index: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Meteorological / Formal
Quick answer
What does “temperature-humidity index” mean?
A calculated value that combines air temperature and relative humidity to estimate how hot it feels to the human body, reflecting perceived heat stress.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A calculated value that combines air temperature and relative humidity to estimate how hot it feels to the human body, reflecting perceived heat stress.
A meteorological index used to describe the apparent or 'feels-like' temperature, factoring in how humidity impedes sweat evaporation and reduces the body's cooling efficiency. Often used in weather forecasts and public health advisories.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'temperature-humidity index' is less common in public forecasts; 'humidex' is sometimes used in Canada. In American English, 'heat index' is the dominant term in public discourse, though 'temperature-humidity index' (or THI) is used in technical/scientific contexts.
Connotations
UK: More technical, academic. US: 'Heat index' has stronger public safety connotations (heat warnings).
Frequency
Low frequency in general public discourse; higher in specialised fields like climatology, agriculture (for livestock stress), and occupational health.
Grammar
How to Use “temperature-humidity index” in a Sentence
The temperature-humidity index is [adjective: high, dangerous].A temperature-humidity index of [number] indicates...Meteorologists use the temperature-humidity index to [verb: gauge, assess].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “temperature-humidity index” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The study correlated hospital admissions with the daily temperature-humidity index.
- Farmers monitor the temperature-humidity index to protect dairy cattle.
American English
- The National Weather Service issues alerts when the temperature-humidity index is forecast to exceed 105°F.
- Researchers developed a new model for the temperature-humidity index in urban canyons.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in risk assessments for outdoor workers or event planning to mitigate heat-related liabilities.
Academic
Found in environmental science, human biometeorology, and public health research on heat stress.
Everyday
Rare in casual talk; replaced by 'heat index' or phrases like 'it feels like...'.
Technical
Precise term in meteorological reports, agricultural management for livestock, and industrial hygiene standards.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “temperature-humidity index”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “temperature-humidity index”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “temperature-humidity index”
- Using 'temperature-humidity index' in everyday conversation (sounds overly technical).
- Confusing it with 'relative humidity' (which is only one component).
- Misspelling as 'temparature-humidity index'.
- Treating it as a direct measurement rather than a derived value.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially, yes. 'Heat index' is the common public-facing term, especially in the US, while 'temperature-humidity index' is the more formal, technical name for the same or a very similar calculation.
It provides a critical measure of heat stress on the human body, which is vital for public health warnings, workplace safety regulations, and protecting vulnerable populations during heatwaves.
It is derived from complex equations (like the Rothfusz regression) that use air temperature and relative humidity as inputs to produce an 'apparent temperature' in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Yes, but often with modifications. Livestock and poultry have different thermal comfort zones, so agricultural scientists use tailored versions of the THI specific to cows, pigs, chickens, etc.
A calculated value that combines air temperature and relative humidity to estimate how hot it feels to the human body, reflecting perceived heat stress.
Temperature-humidity index is usually technical / meteorological / formal in register.
Temperature-humidity index: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtem.prə.tʃə hjuːˈmɪd.ə.ti ˌɪn.deks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtem.pɚ.ə.tʃɚ hjuːˈmɪd.ə.t̬i ˌɪn.deks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in the red zone (of the temperature-humidity index)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: Temperature + Humidity = Index of Discomfort. THI spells 'This Heat is Intense'.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEAT IS A BURDEN (The index measures the 'weight' of heat-humidity combination on the body).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'temperature-humidity index' MOST appropriately used?