As Dangerous US Heat Wave Intensifies, AccuWeather Urges Public to Rely on Science-Backed RealFeel® Temperature for Accurate Danger Index

• AccuWeather's RealFeel^® Temperature is the only authentic formula-based metric—unlike 'Feels Like,' which lacks scientific credibility.
  
  
• Request an interview with an AccuWeather expert meteorologist

STATE COLLEGE, Pa., June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With a blistering heat wave underway that is impacting more than 170 million Americans, AccuWeather® is urging the public, media and decision-makers to use RealFeel® Temperature—the only scientifically developed and proprietary measure of what outdoor conditions actually feel like—to understand and prepare for greater safety, comfort and convenience.

AccuWeather® expert meteorologists say temperatures are soaring past 100 degrees across vast regions of the central and eastern United States, triggering high heat risks in major cities from the Midwest to the Northeast. 

In these extreme conditions, relying solely on traditional temperature readings—or worse, the vague and misleading "Feels Like" temperature—can have dangerous or even deadly consequences.

"AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperature is the only scientifically derived and tested measure of human-perceived temperature," AccuWeather® Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said. "It incorporates 12 specific factors including humidity, temperature, wind and more to reflect what people actually feel, not just what a thermometer says. It is the only index of its kind that includes sun intensity, air density, precipitation and other factors in the formula."

In addition to its standard RealFeel® Temperature, AccuWeather® also provides RealFeel Shade™, a critical measure during heat waves. While temperatures in direct sunlight can feel significantly hotter due to solar radiation, RealFeel Shade™ reflects how conditions feel in a shaded area—where people may find substantial relief. The difference can often be 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit or more, which is essential information for outdoor workers, athletes and anyone seeking to reduce heat-related health risks.

By contrast, the commonly used "Feels Like" phrase has no universally accepted formula, no consistent methodology and lacks scientific validation and value. That means no two sources, like local television stations and other news or weather sources, may calculate it the same way—if at all.

The 'Feels Like' Heat Index varies, based only upon temperature and humidity – nothing else is included in its calculation. AccuWeather expert meteorologists know from our experience how inaccurate that can be. For example, it feels much hotter with no wind and a searing summer midday sun than it does with a 20-mph gusty breeze and thick clouds. AccuWeather's exclusive RealFeel® Temperature reflects this difference, while other heat indices do not.

The patented and exclusive AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperature combines a dozen atmospheric factors to provide an accurate measure of how representative the current and forecast weather conditions really "feel" to an appropriately dressed person.

"There is no such thing as the 'Feels Like' temperature," said AccuWeather® Founder and Executive Chair Dr. Joel N. Myers, who was one of the inventors of the AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature. "Without a scientific basis or consistent definition, 'Feels Like' is open to interpretation—and misinterpretation."

There will be little relief from the heat during the nighttime hours, as temperatures will fall into only the 70s. In some urbanized areas, overnight temperatures will not get out of the 80s. Hot and humid overnight conditions will increase the health risks, since those in non-air-conditioned environments will experience little temperature relief at night, increasing the stress on the human body. 

The intense heat, sweltering humidity and dangerously high overnight temperatures can increase the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, especially for younger children, older adults, athletes, outdoor workers and others who have medical conditions or use medications that may increase their risk of heat-related illnesses.

For nearly two decades, AccuWeather's RealFeel® Temperature has been the gold standard in extreme heat and cold impact communication, trusted by emergency managers, healthcare providers, athletes and everyday Americans to better understand environmental risks. During heat waves, it helps communicate the full effect of heat and humidity on the human body—critical for assessing heat stroke risk and other heat impacts, making school or workplace attendance decisions and informing public safety announcements. Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States.

AccuWeather® encourages all media outlets, government agencies and weather communicators to adopt the RealFeel® Temperature in their reporting communication to the public to provide the most accurate, actionable information. The AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperature is available for free to all users on the free AccuWeather app and AccuWeather.com, including hour-by-hour forecasts as well as the current AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperature for every inhabited location on earth.

Additional AccuWeather^® Resources:

Dangerous heat wave to envelop 170 million Americans through late June

AccuWeather's heat wave index helps people better understand and respond to heat dangers

AccuWeather's RealFeel Temperature Guide provides unique outdoor insight amid heat wave

How We Calculate AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures

What is the AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature?

Stay cool from extreme heat with the free AccuWeather app

Heat exhaustion vs. heatstroke: What are the warning signs and how should you react?

Heat-related deaths have surged by 117% since 1999

AccuWeather meteorologists are available 24/7 to provide further insights and updates on evolving weather conditions. Please contact [email protected] during regular business hours, or [email protected] or call AccuWeather's Media Hotline at (814)-235-8710 at any time to arrange interviews with AccuWeather experts or to request the most updated graphics for print or broadcast.

SOURCE AccuWeather