The ideal body temperature is indeed around 36 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit), but the perception of temperature can vary due to various factors. When you're outdoors on a hot day, such as a 36-degree Celsius (97 degrees Fahrenheit) day, it can feel uncomfortably hot for a few reasons:
Heat transfer: Your body constantly exchanges heat with the surrounding environment through various mechanisms, including radiation, conduction, convection, and evaporation. On a hot day, the air temperature is closer to your body temperature, making it more difficult for your body to cool down through these heat transfer mechanisms. This can make you feel hotter than the actual temperature.
Humidity: Humidity plays a significant role in how we perceive temperature. When the air is humid, it affects our body's ability to cool down through evaporation. High humidity levels prevent sweat from evaporating efficiently from your skin, which is a key mechanism for heat dissipation. As a result, you may feel hotter and more uncomfortable.
Personal factors: Each individual may have a different tolerance for heat. Factors such as age, physical condition, acclimatization, and personal preferences can influence how you perceive the temperature. What feels extremely hot to one person may be tolerable for another.
Sun exposure: When you're outdoors on a hot day, direct exposure to the sun's rays can significantly contribute to the sensation of heat. Sunlight can increase the radiant heat you experience, intensifying the feeling of being hot.
It's worth noting that 36 degrees Celsius (97 degrees Fahrenheit) is considered a high temperature, and spending time outdoors under such conditions can indeed be uncomfortable. It's important to stay hydrated, seek shade or cool areas, and take breaks from direct sunlight to help regulate your body temperature and stay safe in hot weather.