When you wake up and look at the morning low and see 66 degrees, the impulse is to put on your long sleeves, jeans, and boots. But, by lunchtime, you’re regretting that decision, wishing instead for tank tops, shorts, and flip flops.
Many people notice that a mild 79 degree day in October can feel surprisingly hot, sometimes even hotter than a 99 degree day in the peak of summer. This sensation can be puzzling but is influenced by several environmental and physiological factors.
Sun angle and daylight
In July, the sun is higher in the sky, and days are longer, but the body is accustomed to the heat after months of summer. Factor in the humidity and it’s both hot and sticky.
By October, the sun is lower, and daylight hours are shorter, but the sun’s rays can feel more intense during midday due to clearer skies and less atmospheric moisture.
Acclimatization and body response
After months of summer heat, our bodies adjust to higher temperatures. By October, cooler nights and shorter days mean our bodies start to cool down and lose that heat tolerance. So, when a warm day hits, it feels hotter because the body is less acclimated.
It’s layering season! A warm day in October can catch us off guard, making it feel hotter than the thermometer reads.