Climate Shift Index: Humid Heat
Provided by: Climate Central|Published on: May 28, 2026|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12, AP
Type: Data, Graphs, and Maps
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences
Authors: Climate Central
Location: Earth
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This interactive tool maps how climate change is influencing daily humid heat and related health risks.
- Students can explore a humid heat and health map, a climate signal map, and a wet-bulb temperature map.
Teaching Materials
Prerequisites:
- Define wet-bulb temperature before students explore the map. Consider using this article as an introduction to the topic.
- Discuss why high humidity makes heat more dangerous.
Classroom Implementation:
- Use in a unit on climate, heat, and the human body.
- Have students look up the humid heat signal for their own location and for a region near the equator, and compare results.
Sustainable Development Goal Connections:
- Use this resource to make connections to SDG 3, Good Health and Well-Being, and SDG 13, Climate Action.
This GIS tool maps dangerous humid heat around the world day by day. Up-to-date data are sourced from trusted NOAA GFS forecasts, and this map is based on a peer-reviewed article linked under the ‘Learn more’ tab. Most impactful is how the maps clearly show where humid heat is due to climate change. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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