Extreme wet-bulb temperatures (T w) are often used as indicators of heat stress. However,
humid heat extremes are fundamentally compound events, and a given T w can be
generated by various combinations of temperature and humidity. Differentiating between
extreme humid heat driven by temperature versus humidity is essential to identifying these
extremes' physical drivers and preparing for their distinct impacts. Here we explore the
variety of combinations of temperature and humidity contributing to humid heat experienced …

Extreme values of wet bulb temperature are often used as indicators of heat stress for
humans and other animals. However, humid heat extremes are fundamentally compound
events, and a given wet bulb temperature can be generated by various combinations of
temperature and humidity. Differentiating between extreme humid heat driven by anomalous
temperature versus anomalous humidity is essential to identifying these extremes' distinct
physical drivers and preparing for their individual impacts. Extreme dry heat tends to occur …