Thanks for all the input. i have tried a few things and am getting heat index readings now...
i added this...
static float calcHeatIndex = SMP_ERR;
then this under poll sensor...
calcHeatIndex = shtxx.calcHeatIndex(rhSmp, taSmp);
i also added this to convert everything from C to F...
calcHeatIndex = (calcHeatIndex * 9.0)/ 5.0 + 32.0;
taSmp = (taSmp * 9.0)/ 5.0 + 32.0;
tdSmp = (tdSmp * 9.0)/ 5.0 + 32.0;
then this to send the result to the serial monitor...
Serial.print("Heat Index: ");
Serial.println(calcHeatIndex);
However, the heat index reading i get is off by about -12 degF. according to a heat index calculator found here,
http://www.easysurf.cc/cnver16.htm, an air temp of 71.73 a dew point of 57.13 and a humidity of 60.08 should give a heat index of 76.05f. instead i get a heat index reading of 64.33.
i've made sure that the values were in the correct places in the "calcHeatIndex = shtxx.calcHeatIndex(rhSmp, taSmp);", if i switch the rhSmp and taSmp, it jumps up to 122degF.
Any ideas or suggestions?