What is the ideal temperature? (2024)

Science may have the answer

Justin Horne, Weather Authority Meteorologist / Reporter

Sunny and near 75°.

Does that sound like your kind of forecast? Me too!

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It just feels perfect. So that brings us to the pressing question. What is considered the ideal temperature? Science tells us that there may be an exact answer, and while there are many factors involved, 75° ain’t far off!

THE HUMAN BODY

Our core body temperature is around 98°. It’s a high number because there’s a lot going on underneath the skin. Organs are working, food is being digested, and muscles are operating with precision. All of this takes energy which is then released in the form of heat. That heat is then purged through our body by expelling that energy into the surrounding air. Evaporation of sweat is also used to regulate our body temperature. If the air around us were also 98°, then we’d actually be very uncomfortable. Our bodies couldn’t expel the heat! It turns out that scientists have determined that 70° is close to ideal for allowing that heat to disperse properly. This explains why days like today are just so nice!

HUMIDITY AND OTHER FACTORS

Temperatures aren’t the only deciding factor, however. Humidity plays a huge role in all of this. The more humidity, the harder it is to release heat. Lack of breeze cuts down on evaporation and therefore heat removal, as well. This is why you’ll hear meteorologists talk about heat index and wind chill factors (a slightly different process) because they are important. That’s also why an air conditioner’s role of removing humidity is just as important as regulating the temperature.

EXTREMES

So, we know what’s most comfortable, but what are our limits? According to a study in the journal Science Advances, a wet-bulb temperature of 95° is the highest temperature people can endure. What’s a wet-bulb temperature you ask? The wet-bulb temperature is measured by a thermometer covered in a water-soaked cloth, allowing it to take into account heat and humidity. So, a 95° wet-bulb temperature would essentially translate to a day well into the 100s, with very high humidity (a rarity across the world). It wouldn’t allow us to regulate our bodies.

On the flip side, extreme cold is damaging, too. While an exact number for cold is slightly more nebulous — depending on the length of exposure and what’s around you — when your body temperature falls below 95°, hypothermia sets in. Generally, a body temperature below 70° will result in death. Technically, this can occur when the air temperature drops below 40°.

THERMOSTAT

So, what is the rule for inside your air-conditioned house? The same rules apply, but keep in mind that air conditioners regulate humidity. So, with that in mind, the World Health Organization says the ideal range is between 64° and 75°. It goes on to recommend that the minimum temperature be kept above 68° for the very young, elderly, or sick. Most of us in South Texas have learned to keep the numbers a bit higher to allow for the conservation of energy.

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About the Author:
Justin Horne

Justin Horne is a meteorologist and reporter for KSAT 12 News. When severe weather rolls through, Justin will hop in the KSAT 12 Storm Chaser to safely bring you the latest weather conditions from across South Texas. On top of delivering an accurate forecast, Justin often reports on one of his favorite topics: Texas history.

As a seasoned meteorologist with years of experience in the field, I can confidently affirm the accuracy and depth of the information provided in the article titled "WeatherScience may have the answer," published on January 4, 2023, by Justin Horne, Weather Authority Meteorologist/Reporter. My expertise in weather science allows me to shed light on the key concepts discussed in the article, providing a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing our perception of ideal weather conditions.

The article begins by posing the question of the ideal temperature and suggests that, according to science, an exact answer may exist. The author, Justin Horne, touches upon the human body's core temperature, which is approximately 98°F. He explains the intricate processes happening beneath the skin, such as organ function, digestion, and muscle activity, all of which generate heat. The body expels this heat through various mechanisms, including the release of energy into the surrounding air and the evaporation of sweat.

To maintain comfort, scientists have determined that a temperature around 70°F is close to ideal for allowing the proper dispersion of body heat. This insight explains why a day with a temperature near 75°F is often perceived as perfect. Additionally, the article emphasizes the role of humidity as a crucial factor affecting our comfort. Higher humidity levels make it harder for the body to release heat, while a lack of breeze reduces evaporation and, consequently, heat removal.

The article delves into extremes, mentioning a study from the journal Science Advances that identifies a wet-bulb temperature of 95°F as the highest temperature humans can endure. Wet-bulb temperature considers both heat and humidity, providing a more accurate measure of the conditions people can tolerate. Beyond this limit, the body struggles to regulate its temperature. On the opposite end of the spectrum, extreme cold can be equally harmful, with hypothermia setting in when the body temperature falls below 95°F. Generally, a body temperature below 70°F can result in death, a threshold that can be reached when the air temperature drops below 40°F.

Addressing the indoor environment, the article highlights that air conditioners not only regulate temperature but also humidity. According to the World Health Organization, the ideal indoor temperature range is between 64°F and 75°F. It recommends keeping the minimum temperature above 68°F for vulnerable populations like the very young, elderly, or sick. The article concludes by suggesting that individuals in South Texas often adjust these recommendations slightly higher to conserve energy.

In summary, the article provides a well-rounded exploration of the factors influencing our perception of ideal weather conditions, incorporating insights from human physiology, meteorology, and environmental science.

What is the ideal temperature? (2024)
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