Extreme Environmental Heat Stress in Costa Rica

Abstract

Five years of meteorological records were manually tabulated and analyzed for the estimation of the maximum WBGT (an environmental heat stress index) values that could be expected at different times of the day in three regions of Costa Rica. The results were presented at an international conference in the U.S.A. in 1989. The original paper presented at the conference is included, together with improved graphs reproduced from the undergraduate thesis by Mario Fco. Calderón Navarro and Cecilia González Álvarez. This information should help with the planning of long distance running and triathlon events in Costa Rica. Comparison with recent five-year records is encouraged; current, on-site WBGT readings should always be used at endurance events.