Abstract
The frequency and intensity of extreme events especially heat waves (HW) are growing all around the world which ultimately poses a serious threat to the health of individuals. To quantify the effects of extreme temperature, appropriate information, and the importance of HW and heat index (HI) are carefully discussed for different parts of the world. Varied definitions of the HW and HI formula proposed and used by different countries are carried out systematically continent-wise. Different studies highlighted the number of definitions of HW; however, mostly used Steadman’s formulae, which was developed in the late 1970s, for the calculation of HI that uses surface air temperature and relative humidity as climatic fields. Since then, dramatic changes in climatic conditions have been observed as evident from the ERA5 datasets which need to be addressed; likewise, the definition of HW, which is modified by the researchers as per the geographic conditions. It is evident from the ERA5 data that the temperature has increased by 1–2 °C as compared to the 1980s. There is a threefold increase in the number of heatwave days over most of the continents in the last 40 years. This study will help the researcher community to understand the importance of HW and HI. Furthermore, it opens the scope to develop an equation based on the present scenario keeping in mind the basics of an index as considered by Steadman.
Highlights
The occurrence and strength of extreme heat events are increasing all around the world which has direct and indirect impacts on the health of living beings and the ecological system
Another study comprised of calculating the daily mean heat index (HI) relationship with mortality by using Poisson regression analysis with generalized linear models (GLMs) in 6 major cities (Taipei, Keelung, Chiayi, Taichung, Kaohsiung, and Tainan) in Taiwan which lied between 26.4 °C (79.5 °F) and 28.6 °C (83.4 °F)
When the meteorological data was substituted in Eq (1), it was found that Keelung had the least value of HI i.e., 26.4 ± 5.2 °C, and Kaohsiung had the greatest one, i.e., 28.6 ± 4.9 °C as they were dependent on the magnitude of Temperature and relative humidity (RH)
Summary
The occurrence and strength of extreme heat events are increasing all around the world which has direct and indirect impacts on the health of living beings and the ecological system. Extreme heat events are physical hazards that cause health issues in eerie (Kent et al 2014). It must be noticed that the events such as floods and tornadoes are a matter of concern if their occurrence leads to loss of human life, but events such as heatwaves and cold waves have both direct and indirect long- and short-term impacts on the environment and human life. In the coming sections, the definition of HW and the concept of HI are studied to understand their basics.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
