Exercising Outside In Utah? You Should Know The Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature

Highs School sports has started up again here in Southern Utah. If you have a student who is headed to the football field or training outside, you may want to know what a WetBulb Globe is. This is a device used to measure weather conditions and how it will affect a person exercising outdoors.

With hot summer conditions continuing in Southern Utah, this information is critical. 

According to the National Weather Service, “The WetBulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) is a measure of the heat stress in direct sunlight, which takes into account: temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover (solar radiation). This differs from the heat index, which takes into consideration temperature and humidity and is calculated for shady areas.” 

Utah high schools are required to use this information as they hold practices and modify how strenuous it will be based on these conditions. If you have ever walked across the artificial turf on a football field in mid-July, you know how hot it can get. There is good reason to protect high school athletes from the dangers of getting overheated. 

This is information you should have if you ride a bike or run in the summer in Southern Utah. Check it before you go on a hike. You can find the WetBulb Globe Temperature or (WBGT)  for our area by going to the National Weather Service site.  

I’m always fascinated by the latest weather terms that pop up. The atmospheric river was a new one that has gained in popularity. Now I can add the WetBulb Globe to my list. Think how impressed my neighbor will be when I tell him he shouldn’t be outside due to the WetBulb Globe reading.