Hello guys,
I found it difficult to interpret the magnitudes of UTCI and MRT.
For e.g., according to Thermal Comfort Indices - Universal Thermal Climate Index, 1979-2020, “There are 10 UTCI thermal stress categories that correspond to specific human physiological responses to the thermal environment. The categories relate to UTCI values as follows: above +46: extreme heat stress; +38 to +46: very strong heat stress; +32 to +38: strong heat stress; +26 to +32: moderate heat stress; +9 to +26: no thermal stress; +9 to 0: slight cold stress; 0 to -13: moderate cold stress; -13 to -27: strong cold stress; -27 to -40: very strong cold stress; below -40: extreme cold stress.”
However, in the data downloaded from Thermal comfort indices derived from ERA5 reanalysis, UTCI seems to be in a range of 200+. Even if it were Fahrenheit, it would have been 200+ Celsius, too – neither would fall in the category of -40 to +46.
May I ask how I should interpret UTCI and MRT?
What would be considered as the “comfortable UTCI and MRT”?
As a benchmark, when computing “cooling/heating degree days”, the “comfortable temperature” is 83 degrees Fahrenheit (https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/units-and-calculators/degree-days.php).
Is there something similar for UCTI and MRT?
Many thanks.
Best,
Darcy