NorthAmerica

Thermal Stress Based on UTCI

The Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) is a comprehensive biometeorological index used to assess the thermal stress experienced by the human body under different atmospheric conditions. It integrates air temperature, mean radiant temperature, wind speed, and humidity to represent the combined effect of environmental conditions on human thermal comfort. UTCI values are expressed in °C and classify thermal conditions ranging from extreme cold stress to extreme heat stress. Lower UTCI values indicate increasing cold stress, while higher values indicate increasing heat stress. The index is particularly useful for assessing human health risks, heatwaves, cold waves, outdoor activities, occupational exposure, and climate-related thermal hazards. UTCI provides a standardized basis for comparing thermal stress across different locations and seasons.