STAGES runs for 24 months and aims to improve the scientific knowledge base to support the implementation of the MSFD. The STAGES project will bridge the science-policy gap and improve the current scientific knowledge base to allow Member States to achieve a Good Environmental Status (GES) in marine waters.
The Weather Stress Index, or WSI, is a relative measure of the weather conditions, often used as a comfort indicator. The index, a number between 0 and 100, represents the percentage of time in the past with temperatures below the current temperature, for a given location, day and time.
By looking at the chart above, you can find the heat index temperature by matching the air temperature to the relative humidity. For example, if the air temperature is 94 degrees and the relative humidity is 70 percent, the heat index is 119 degrees. Since official surface temperatures are taken using thermometers shaded from the sun, the NWS notes that actual heat indices can be up to 15 degrees higher in full sunshine than the shade.