A popular weather app known for its snarky and sarcastic humor has issued an update that could help you know whether or not you’re likely to survive the next heatwave.
Carrot Weather, a free app available for both iOS and Android, has issued its version 5.3 update that includes a number of features, including the Wet-Bulb Temperature (WBGT).
‘Add the wet-bulb temperature as a data point to the main app, Apple Watch, or Home Screen widget,’ developer Brian Mueller wrote in the update description. ‘Great for determining human survivability during extreme heat events.’
The WBGT feature is part of the premium subscription plan, which costs $4.99 per month or $19.99 per year.
Carrot Weather, a free app available for both iOS and Android, has issued its version 5.3 update that includes a number of features, including the Wet-Bulb Temperature
The Wet-Bulb Global Temperature measures heat stress in direct sunlight, which is based on temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle, and cloud cover (solar radiation)
There are other tiers to the app, which run as high as $9.99 per month, that unlock additional features.
According to the National Weather Service, the Wet-Bulb Global Temperature (WBGT) is ‘a measure of heat stress in direct sunlight, which is based on temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle, and cloud cover (solar radiation). This differs from the heat index, which is based only on temperature and humidity and is calculated for shady areas.’
A WBGT reading between 88 and 89.9 says ‘all athletes must be under constant observation and supervision’
A reading of less than 80 suggests athletes can perform ‘unlimited activity with primary cautions for new or unconditioned athletes or extreme exertion.’
A reading between 80 and 84.9 is considered ‘normal practice for athletes,’ and unconditioned or new athletes should be closely monitored.
A WBGT between 85 and 87.9 states that ‘new and unconditioned athletes should have reduced intensity practice and modifications in clothing.’
A reading between 88 and 89.9 says ‘all athletes must be under constant observation and supervision,’ with pads and equipment removed and frequent/mandatory rest/water breaks are to be instituted.
On Thursday, a wide swath of the US southeast was experiencing WBGT readings of 82 and above, including a reading of 88 in Clinton, Georgia.
In addition to adding the WBGT, Carrot added smart layouts that will let users automatically switch to various interfaces, depending upon if it is raining or if it is nighttime.
Other updates to Carrot Weather include letting users film their own 30-second weather reports
Other updates include letting users film their own 30-second weather reports that can be shared with friends, screenshots, air quality data and more.
Earlier this month, the Pacific Northwest was hit with a historic heat wave, with some areas hitting 121 degrees Fahrenheit as a ‘heat dome’ of static high-pressure hot air trapped the heat in one location, brought on by climate change.
The sweltering temperatures were being caused by a heat dome of static high-pressure hot air which traps the heat in one location
Just this past week, officials have warned residents of western US states to brace for another heat wave, the fourth in five weeks, impacting some 16 million people with triple-digit temperatures.
Temperatures are expected to reach as high as 106 degrees in parts of Montana and the central and norther parts of the Rockies.
