What is meant by normal temperature and how is it different from average temperature?
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NormalThe long-term average value of a meteorological paramater (i.e., temperature, humidity, etc.) for a certain area. For example, "temperatures are normal for this time of year" means that temperatures are at or near the average climatological value for the given date. Normals are usually taken from data averaged over a 30-year period (e.g., 1971-2000 average), and are concerned with the distribution of data within limits of common occurrence.Normal Water
Surface ElevationIn hydrologic terms, the lowest crest level of overflow on a reservoir with a fixed overflow level (spillway crest elevation). For a reservoir whose outflow is controlled wholly or partly by movable gates, siphons, or other means, it is the maximum level to which water may rise under normal operating conditions, exclusive of any provision for flood surcharge.Normal YearA year during which the precipitation or stream flow approximates the
average for a long period of record.Range NormalizationA receiver gain function in the radar which compensates for the effect of range (distance) on the received power for an equivalent reflectivity.
You can either type in the word you are looking for in the box below or browse by letter. Show Search: Browse by letter: # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZNormal body temperatures vary depending on many factors, including a person’s age and activity levels. The average adult body temperature is around 98.6°F (37°C). However, people’s baseline body temperature can be slightly different. In this article, we discuss typical temperature ranges for adults, children, and those who are pregnant. We also consider factors affecting body temperature and when to call a doctor. Body temperature readings vary depending on where a person takes the measurements on the body. For example, rectal temperature readings are higher than oral readings, while armpit readings tend to be lower. Body temperature readings can also vary depending on the following factors:
According to reviews, the average adult body temperature across all different reading sites is 97.86°F (36.59°C). Researchers also found that the average orally-taken adult body temperature falls between 97.2–98.6°F (36.24–37°C). Average body temperature can vary across demographics. A study of almost 35,500 people found that older adults had the lowest temperatures, and African American women had higher temperatures than white men. The researchers also found that certain medical conditions can affect body temperature. For example, people with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) tended to have lower temperatures, while people with cancer had higher temperatures. Typically, the following temperatures suggest that someone has a fever:
A fever may be a symptom of COVID-19. The average body temperature for children is around 97.52°F (36.4°C), but this can vary. As with adults, a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) may indicate a fever in children. Infants tend to have higher body temperatures than older children and adults. The average body temperature for newborn babies is around 99.5°F (37.5°C). A baby’s temperature is higher because they have a larger body surface area relative to their body weight. Their bodies are also more metabolically active, which generates heat. Babies’ bodies do not regulate temperature as well as adults’ bodies. They sweat less when it is warm, meaning their bodies hold more heat. It may also be more difficult for them to cool down during a fever. Learn more about fever in babies here. During pregnancy, a person’s basal metabolic rate (BMR) is higher. This means the body produces more heat. One study found that body temperature peaks at 96–99.5°F (35.6–37.5°C) around the 12th week of pregnancy. The average body temperature reaches its lowest point of around 95.5–99.1°F (35.3–37.3°C) just after the 33rd week. There are many types of thermometers available. Digital thermometersDigital thermometers are readily available and can produce accurate temperature results. A person may use these at different parts of the body.
Infrared thermometersInfrared thermometers can take temperature readings at a distance. However, these are not as accurate as other methods. People may use tympanic thermometers to take readings from the ear canal. To use, a person will:
Temporal thermometers use an infrared signal to measure a person’s temperature. The user will typically hold the thermometer a few centimeters from a person’s forehead and wait for the device to produce a reading. One study concluded that while forehead and ear measurements are viable, nontraumatic screening options for infants, they are still not as accurate as rectal measurements. It is important for people to always follow the instructions on the thermometer package. If a thermometer indicates a person’s body temperature is too high or too low, they may wish to take another reading to confirm the result. In all age ranges, a high temperature may result from short-term illnesses and usually does not cause significant harm in adults with otherwise good overall health. If a person has a high temperature, it is important they rest and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. These at-home treatments also apply to children and babies. In hot climates, exercise or other physical activity may cause hyperthermia — an abnormally high body temperature. Unlike infection or fever, this is typically the result of outside factors. Moving to a cooler space and taking fluids will usually remedy hyperthermia. However, if a high temperature persists or increases, people should seek medical help. If a person’s temperature is below 95°F (35°C) they have hypothermia and should seek medical assistance. The need for medical assistance can vary between age groups. AdultsIn many cases, a person with a fever will not require medical attention. However, if a person has a temperature of or higher, they should contact their doctor. A person should also seek medical assistance if they experience any of the following alongside a fever:
The following people should also seek medical assistance if they experience fever:
If a person’s temperature is over 106.7°F (41.5°C), they have hyperpyrexia, a very high fever. This can lead to permanent organ damage and death. Hyperpyrexia requires urgent medical assistance. If a person’s body temperature is too low, they may have hypothermia. This is a medical emergency, and they should seek assistance immediately. Doctors define hypothermia as a temperature dropping below 95°F (35°C). ChildrenA person should contact emergency services if a child has a temperature over 104°F (40°C). They should also seek medical help if a child has a high temperature that lasts for 5 days or more or is experiencing dehydration, vomiting, or diarrhea. If a child’s temperature drops below 95°F (35°C), medical assistance is essential. BabiesIf an infant 3 months or younger has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or above, seek emergency medical attention. In young babies, a slight fever can signal a serious infection. In babies up to 6 months of age, a temperature of 102.2°F (39°C) or more is also reason to contact emergency services. As with adults and older children, if a baby’s temperature drops below 95°F (35°C), they will require immediate emergency assistance. An area of the brain called the hypothalamus regulates body temperature. If body temperature rises above or dips below the 98.6°F (37°C) mark, the hypothalamus works to regulate the temperature. If the body is too cold, the hypothalamus sends signals to make the body shiver, which warms the body. If the body is too hot, it sends messages to begin sweating, letting heat leave the body. Infections cause most fevers. A fever develops as the body’s natural way of reacting to and fighting infection. The ideal body temperature in adults is around 98.6°F (37°C), but this varies based on age, physical activity, and health. Body temperature also changes throughout the day. A temperature of above 100.4°F (38°C) signals a fever. Babies may have higher body temperatures than adults, but even a slight fever in babies can indicate a severe infection. Temperature readings from different body parts give a range of body temperatures that doctors consider normal. Rectal readings are higher than oral readings, and armpit readings tend to be lower. If a person has an unusually high or low temperature, they should seek medical attention immediately. Read this article in Spanish. What does the average temperature mean?The average temperature of the air as indicated by a properly exposed thermometer during a given time period, usually a day, a month, or a year. For climatological tables, the mean temperature is generally calculated for each month and for the year.
What causes the difference in average temperature?There are differences in climate around the world because of differing amounts of radiation received from the Sun at different parts of the Earth at different times of the year. More heat from the Sun is received near the equator than near the north and south poles where the angle of the Sun's rays is lower.
What is a normal temperature in Celsius?The average body temperature is 98.6 F (37 C). But normal body temperature can range between 97 F (36.1 C) and 99 F (37.2 C) or more. Your body temperature can vary depending on how active you are or the time of day.
What does normal mean in weather?Normal. The long-term average value of a meteorological paramater (i.e., temperature, humidity, etc.) for a certain area. For example, "temperatures are normal for this time of year" means that temperatures are at or near the average climatological value for the given date.
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