wet-bulb temperature: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

At this combination of heat and humidity, the human body can no longer cool itself through perspiration and evaporative cooling, leading to hyperthermia and organ failure even for healthy individuals in the shade.

Traditionally, it is measured by a thermometer whose bulb is covered with a water-saturated cloth (a 'wet-bulb') and ventilated. The evaporation of water cools the bulb, yielding a lower reading than a standard ('dry-bulb') thermometer.

No, they are related but distinct. Wet-bulb temperature is a direct physical measurement. The heat index and 'feels like' temperature are calculated values that model perceived heat for humans, often incorporating additional factors like wind and sun.

Coastal subtropical and tropical regions with high humidity, such as the Indus River Valley, the Arabian Peninsula, the Gulf of Mexico coast, and parts of North China, are most vulnerable to dangerous wet-bulb temperature events.

A measured temperature which factors in humidity to indicate the lowest temperature to which air can be cooled by evaporating water into it at constant pressure.

Wet-bulb temperature is usually technical/scientific in register.

Wet-bulb temperature: in British English it is pronounced /ˌwet bʌlb ˈtem.prə.tʃər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌwet bʌlb ˈtem.pər.ə.tʃɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.