Methods for Estimating Wet Bulb Globe Temperature From Remote and Low-Cost Data: A Comparative Study in Central...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Occupational Health
• Meteorology

Background:

• Heat stress poses significant health risks, necessitating accurate monitoring.
• The wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) index is a key metric for assessing heat risk.
• Traditional WBGT monitoring can be costly and labor-intensive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the accuracy of WBGT estimation using various data sources.
• To compare the performance of different input data sources for WBGT calculation.
• To determine if lower-cost sensors can effectively estimate WBGT.

Main Methods:

• Collected WBGT data using Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Trackers.
• Utilized data from local weather stations, NLDAS, and iButton hygrometers.
• Applied established equations to estimate natural wet bulb temperature, globe temperature, and WBGT.

Main Results:

• WBGT estimates from weather station, NLDAS, and combined sources were statistically similar to direct measurements at two of three sites.
• The inclusion of iButton hygrometers significantly reduced root mean square error and bias in WBGT estimations.
• Proxy data sources demonstrated comparable accuracy to direct measurements under certain conditions.

Conclusions:

• Estimating WBGT using readily available meteorological data and low-cost sensors is feasible.
• Combining data sources, particularly with iButtons, enhances the accuracy of heat stress monitoring.
• This approach offers a cost-effective alternative for assessing environmental heat risk.