With a stretch of VERY hot weather ahead for the rest of this month into August, it is a good idea to look at how we measure the heat stress on your body.

How is the heat index calculated, and why is it more important than the air temperature during some heat waves?

How low should you set your thermostat for as record-breaking heat sweeps over the country? Here's what experts and other Floridians say.

Dangerous heat will be followed by storms with damaging winds that could hit 65 miles per hour as a frontal system nears the Northeast. Heat-index values (combination of the temperature and humidity) on Friday,

The National Weather Service’s Fort Worth office extended the heat advisory for the Metroplex through 9 p.m. Saturday. Rising humidity is expected to push the heat index, or “feels like” temperature, into extremely unpleasant territory, with some parts of the region possibly reaching 108.

The heat index, or apparent temperature, combines air temperature and humidity to indicate how hot it feels to the body. High humidity slows sweating, the body's natural cooling system, making temperatures feel hotter. The National Weather Service provides resources like a heat index calculator and chart to determine local heat index values.

Another heat advisory and First Alert Weather Day are in effect on Friday due to dangerous heat lingering around North Texas. Small storm chances are on the way over the weekend. The heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service is in effect until 9 p.m. for most of North Texas.

A heavy storm hit Indianapolis Friday afternoon with a wind gust to 51mph and the most rainfall in a single day in weeks. Temperature also dropped bringing some brief relief from the heat. RACKING

If you factor in the heat index, cities like Houston, Memphis and Cleveland are as hot or hotter than Phoenix this week.