Please review the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s article about Heat Wave Safety Tips (click the title above). The article also presents NOAA's National Weather Service Heat Index (see below) and explains how to understand the Heat Index.
There is an important note about the Heat Index table that must be considered when reading it: HI values were devised for shady, light wind conditions; therefore exposure to full sunlight can increase HI values by up to 15°F. In addition, strong winds with very hot, dry air can be extremely dangerous.
As Border Patrol Agents, two recommendations for preventing heat stress are out of our control: wear lightweight clothing to allow free air movement and wear light-colored clothing to reflect the heat and sunlight. As we all know, the Border Patrol uniform is dark colored which means it absorbs heat and sunlight; and the new rough-duty uniform is extremely thick which means it prevents free air movement. When the body armor is worn in addition to the thick, dark-colored rough-duty uniform, it will drastically affect your body temperature and your ability to keep your body temperatures normal.
If you know you regularly track groups on foot then take the time to check the heat index each day and be prepared to take the proper precautions to protect yourself and your partners in the field.
NOAA's National Weather Service Heat Index:
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