Q: Why do weather forecasts no longer include current and predicted relative humidity? It makes such a difference in how we perceive heat.
— Karen LaBarr, Johns Creek
A: Discussing current humidity used to be common in weather reports, said meteorologist Kirk Mellish. He said current humidity was dropped from his WSB Radio reports when market research showed it was not a priority for most listeners. “That does not mean the comfort factor related to humidity is ignored,” he said. “If it’s going to be humid or very muggy, I say so in the forecast, and if the humidity is going to be unusually low, I’ll say that also. And if the heat index based on humidity is going to be high, the forecast number will be given.” Many TV reports have stopped including humidity in favor of graphics in motion, which Mellish said are deemed more entertaining even if less informative.
Q: Is it possible (and safe) to get flu shots for the seasonal flu and swine flu on the same day?
— Susan Harris, Duluth
A: The seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines may be administered on the same day, according to the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But individuals should be able to receive the seasonal vaccine earlier than the H1N1 vaccine and the CDC recommends that individuals get the seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available.
Lori Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or e-mail q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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