What is the heat index and why does it matter? A brief explainer

What is the heat index and why does it matter? A brief explainer

BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — Air temperature, dew point, heat index — all words that are thrown around by meteorologists during the heat of summer. And as the National Weather Service issued Heat Advisories for parts of south-central and eastern North Dakota (including Bismarck, Harvey, and Jamestown) this Saturday, the focus will undoubtedly return to the toasty temperatures. But why should you care about the difference between a "simple" air tempera…