Tuntolämpötilan

Tuntolämpötilan is a Finnish term that translates to "felt temperature" or "apparent temperature." It describes how hot or cold the air feels to a human being, rather than the actual air temperature measured by a thermometer. This perceived temperature is influenced by several environmental factors beyond just the ambient air temperature.

The most significant factors affecting tuntolämpötilan are wind chill and humidity. In cold conditions, wind can significantly increase the rate of heat loss from the body, making it feel much colder than the actual air temperature. This phenomenon is known as wind chill. Conversely, in hot conditions, high humidity can make it feel hotter because it hinders the body's ability to cool itself through evaporation. The less evaporation, the more the body retains heat, leading to a higher perceived temperature.

Other factors that can influence tuntolämpötilan include solar radiation, precipitation, and even clothing worn by an individual. A sunny day, even if the air temperature is moderate, can make it feel warmer due to the sun's heat. Similarly, rain or snow can lead to a feeling of coldness due to evaporative cooling and direct heat loss. While tuntolämpötilan is not a scientifically precise measurement, it provides a more practical understanding of thermal comfort for everyday life and outdoor activities. Meteorologists often use indices like the wind chill index and heat index to provide a tuntolämpötilan value to the public.