Hieronymus' Blog

We always hear about "heat index" but there are a couple of ways this could be measured.  Hopefully one of the weather experts on this site can elucidate for us.

Obviously, there's temperature itself.  However there's the actual heat energy in the air (which increases with water vapor / humidity).  Yet there's also the efficacy of the body to consider, not to mention effects like sweating.

When they say "it feels like...", I sometimes feel they're not taking into consideration the effect of evaporative cooling on the body, since a hot summer day in FL at 94, when it is said "it feels like 103", for example, I know it feels hotter than in the high desert at 110.

Anyway, a more detailed explanation of the measurement of the "Heat Index" used in weather reports, when it is said "it feels like ...", would be appreciated.

 

With all the discussion about sirens and weather radios it's clear that while sirens might be somewhat effective, weather radios are MORE effective for warning about severe weather. They also give more detailed reports and information. They also can be set to be county-specific.

The obvious problem with the radios is that not everyone will buy one. Sirens are the only way to reach everyone.

Would a possible solution be for the state to GIVE weather radios away?

Admittedly, many of us don't like the idea of the government spending money for hand-outs. YET - we should compare the amount of money which would be spent on sirens to that of issuing basic level weather alert radios.

Purchased by the state in volume, they might be fairly inexpensive. Especially if a company is willing to offer a discount in exchange for the publicity during the giveaway.

It would be interesting to compare the numbers and hear what people think...

I was just watching the latest report on Ernesto as done by the capable Shannon Butler.

During her report, she repeatedly used the pronunciation "SUM-ur-nah" for New Smyrna Beach as opposed to "SMUR-nah". Amy Kaufeldt also used this pronunciation.

I have noticed this being done quite commonly, not only by FL residents but also by media professionals.

This blog is to help put the question of pronunciation to rest once and for all.

The original pronunciation for "SMYRNA" is, indeed, "SMUR-nah", with TWO syllables, not three. The name comes from Greek myth where an Amazon posessed the name "Smyrna". It was given to the name of an ancient city-state in Greek Ionia in Asia Minor.

While the Greek origins of the name are unquestioned, the one remaining issue is - has the name become not only anglicized but "southernized" enough such that the three syllable "SUM-ur-nah" pronunciation is now valid?

It should be noted that the original anglicized pronunciation has been, and remained, the two syllable "SMUR-nah". Only mispronunciation of the city's name seems to have added the third syllable. The question; has this mispronunciation been used long enough and become widespread enough to be considered "valid"?

I would love to hear opinions (and maybe we'll get lucky enough to hear from Amy and Shannon).