What is the wet bulb globe temperature?

The wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) is an index used to measure heat stress in direct sunlight, incorporating factors such as air temperature, humidity, and heat from radiation. The formula recognized for calculating WBGT is precise in its weighting of these components: dry bulb temperature (DBT), wet bulb temperature (WBT), and globe temperature (GT).

The correct formula reflects the importance of these factors in assessing thermal comfort and safety, particularly in athletic environments where heat stress can significantly impact performance and health. In the correct formula, the coefficients assigned to dry bulb temperature, wet bulb temperature, and globe temperature accurately represent their influence on the overall thermal stress experienced by individuals.

This specific combination, with the weights indicating that wet bulb temperature has the most considerable impact, ensures that the calculation provides a balanced representation of environmental conditions, supporting the goal of effectively evaluating heat stress risks. Understanding this formula allows athletic trainers to implement appropriate measures for hydration and scheduling activities to safeguard athletes against heat-related illnesses.