The hottest time of day varies by location, but is typically between 3:00 and 6:00pm, with the daily high temperature usually recorded between 5:30 and 6:30pm. The lag between maximum sun exposure and the hottest time of day is called thermal response, which varies by latitude and time of year. Staying hydrated is key to preventing heatstroke and other heat-related problems, and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest hours of the day is recommended. Symptoms of heat-related illnesses include lightheadedness, stomach ache, headache, and confusion.
The hottest time of day depends to some extent on the precise geographical location, but in most places it is between 3:00 and 6:00 and the daily high temperature is usually recorded between 5:30 and 6:30. usually the time of day when the sun is most intense, but intensity and high temperatures don’t always go hand in hand. In most places it takes a few hours for the sun’s rays to be absorbed into the environment, a phenomenon known as ‘thermal response’. People who are planning to spend a lot of time outdoors during the hottest part of the day should typically drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and avoiding strenuous activity is also usually recommended.
Understanding thermal response Thermal
Nearly all parts of the Earth get the greatest amount of sun exposure during the early afternoon hours, but it takes time for the surface to actually warm up. The lag between maximum sun exposure and the hottest time of day is called the thermal response. The amount of time needed depends on the latitude and time of year, meaning that different places will have different warmest times, often up to a few hours. Locations near or on the equator often experience peak heat in the early afternoon, for example, while those closer to both poles tend to warm up much later.
UV rays
As a general rule, it takes three to four hours after the moment of maximum solar intensity to reach maximum heat. In most places, the sun is most intense between 10:00 and 2:00. People are usually at the greatest risk of sunburn and skin damage during this window as the concentration of ultraviolet rays tends to be highest, but heat stroke and exhaustion are most common in the day when the sun’s energy has warmed the environment.
In other words, heat and ultraviolet (UV) light concentration usually don’t mix. Sun-sensitive or sunburn-prone people often prefer to be outdoors during the day to avoid intense sun exposure. The environment is usually hot in the late afternoon because the sun’s rays have warmed it up earlier, and in most cases most of the harmful rays have dissipated when the maximum temperatures are reached.
Importance of hydration
Just because the sun is setting doesn’t mean heat-related dangers are gone, and for many people, the hottest time of day is actually the most dangerous, at least in terms of exhaustion and dehydration. Staying hydrated during the heat of the day is key to preventing heatstroke and other heat-related problems. Water and juice are usually the best choices; alcoholic and caffeinated beverages are known as “diuretics,” which means they can actually dehydrate the body, making matters worse in most cases.
Understand your sweat rate
People who intend to engage in vigorous activity on hot days may find that knowing their sweat rate is helpful, and calculating it is fairly simple. A person starts by weighing himself naked before a workout. After he’s done, he should dry off and weigh himself again. The difference will be what he lost during the exercise. This difference in weight should be replaced with water, but not excessively; too much water comes with it’s set of problems. Usually drinking only what is lost or a little more is best.
Risks and precautions
It is good practice to avoid strenuous activities during the hottest hours of the day, especially running, even for people in good health. High-intensity cardiovascular workouts demand a lot from the body. If the body can’t sweat due to moisture, or if evaporated sweat doesn’t cool a person fast enough, they may be in danger of heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
Heat-related illnesses can have a variety of symptoms. Anyone who suddenly feels lightheaded, stomach ache, headache or even confused during the hottest part of the day usually needs to cool off and get some water. Once these symptoms appear, it’s usually best to take a break, drink some water, and say enough, no matter what time it is.
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