Why Do We Use Wet Bulb Globe Temperature?

The term “wet bulb temperature” has gained attention in recent years due to ongoing climate shifts. This is a reality already witnessed in various regions worldwide over the Summer and Fall of 2023. This escalation raises concern, as elevated wet bulb temperatures pose a severe risk to human well-being, amplifying health vulnerabilities and tragically leading to loss of life.

Let’s dive into the essence of wet bulb temperature and its significance for athletic trainers.

What is the Significance of Wet Bulb Temperature?

Commonly, discussions on temperature focus on air temperature, also termed as dry bulb temperature. Yet, wet bulb temperature has been increasingly making its presence felt, notably in news stories.

Wet bulb temperature denotes the amalgamation of heat (dry air temperature) and humidity, offering a gauge for evaluating heat stress conditions. The nomenclature stems from its measurement process of placing a moistened cloth over a thermometer’s bulb. The water on the cloth evaporates, causing the thermometer to cool. This resultant lower reading represents the wet bulb temperature.

When humidity is high, impeding evaporation, the wet bulb temperature edges closer to the dry bulb temperature (note: the wet bulb temperature can never surpass the dry bulb…