Wet Bulb Globe Temperature
How it works, calculator, guidelines and more!
Input data below to calculate the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature.
Due to the complex nature of the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature calculation, the below calculation is a rough estimate. For official estimates of current and forecasted WBGT, please refer to the Clarity platform.
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) Estimator
The above recommendations are based on the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines for training or non-continuous activities. For official guidance, please refer to your state or activity's official guidelines.
Heat Index vs. Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT):
- Heat Index:
- Measures how hot it feels based on temperature and humidity.
- Used for public health warnings about heat-related risks.
- Doesn’t account for solar radiation, wind, or cloud cover.
- Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT):
- Considers temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and wind.
- Used for safety in sports, military, and work settings, to manage heat stress during activity.
- Requires more complex equipment to measure in real-time, but can be monitored using advanced real-time weather analysis data and intelligence.
- Complexity: WBGT is more comprehensive, capturing a broader range of environmental factors.
- Application: Heat Index for general public awareness; WBGT is more suitable for specific activity safety.
- Equipment: WBGT needs specialized tools and calculations to measure observations and forecasts; Heat Index only needs temperature and humidity data.
Methods of Determining the WBGT
WBGT Guidelines and Standards Resource Links:
North Carolina Schools Independent Schools Athletic Association Guidelines
Illinois High School Association Heat and Heat Illness Requirements
South Carolina Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Monitoring Guidelines
Kansas State High School Activities Association Recommended Activity Modification Policy
University Interscholastic League (Texas) Heat Protocols and Procedures Recommendations
American College of Sports Medicine Heat and Humidity Guidelines for Races
New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Heat Participation Policy
Minnesota State High School League’s Policy for Weather Conditions
Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Heat Modification Policy
Arkansas Activities Association WBGT for Heat and Humidity Monitoring during Practice
WBGT TRACKING AND FORECAST SOLUTION:
My phone calls to BAMWX are always met with friendly, available and helpful staff. Another great thing about BAMWX is the level of detail they provide in their forecasts. This information is invaluable to me when I'm planning outdoor activities for my students or making decisions about school closures.
It is a valuable investment and resource that will benefit students, staff, parents, and the entire community.
