Principles of the New Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) and its Application to Bioclimatic Research in European Scale

Abstract

During the last century about 100 indices were developed to assess influences of the atmosphere on human being. However, most of them have not close relationships with physiological reactions in man. In 1999 International Society of Biometeorology established special study group do develop new Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). Since 2005 these efforts have been reinforced by the COST Action 730 (Cooperation in Science and Technical Development). In February 2009 the Action was terminated and UTCI was developed.

Keywords

• human heat balance
• utci
• heat stress
• europe’s bioclimate