Apparent heat stress is usually expressed as Heat Index (HI), which reflects the combined impact of both temperatures and relative humidity upon human thermal tolerance. In the present study, the objectives were mainly to map the seasonal variations in HI across Oman and to investigate the environmental factors affecting their distribution. Seasonal HI calculations were applied using empirical equations, employing skin temperatures and relative humidity reanalysis data for Oman. These climatic datasets were acquired from the fifth-generation atmospheric reanalysis of global climate and weather (ERA5) produced by the European Copernicus Climate Change Services. Seasonal HI maps were produced using spatial interpolation techniques. Results showed that significant parts of the country fall into the high HI category, particularly in summer, where outdoor work is particularly vulnerable due to prevailing severe thermal stress. During fall and spring, considerable regions exert high HI values, while winter exhibits the lowest HI values throughout the country. Particularly, solar radiation was found to positively correlate with the HI for all of seasons, which eventually amplifies thermal stress, while the wind speed and topography exhibit negative and reducing influences upon HI. Climate change could exacerbate the severity of heat stress, particularly during spring, when the frequency of abnormal heatwaves is maximum. Maps of the seasonal pattern of heat stress could be beneficial in urban planning and sustainable development in this region.
Mohamed El-Desoky Hereher (Tue,) studied this question.