Relative heat index

[Moozillion]

Newbie question. I notice that our forecast for today predicts maximum temp of 93 but with the humidity, the relative heat index will be 108. Which number is significant for turtles n torts? I don't think reptiles sweat, do they? That would suggest that the meaningful temp for them would be the 93?

 

[Tom]

I think you have it correct. The heat index is for mammals who rely extensively on evaporative cooling. When humidity is higher, it inhibits a mammals ability to cool off. For an ectothermic reptile that loses almost no water through its skin, this is much less of a factor.