In response to the growing concerns regarding heat-related health risks, the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have joined forces to unveil a comprehensive heat risk system. This color-coded system, encompassing five tiers, aims to provide the public with clear and concise information on the severity of hot weather conditions.
The system’s color scheme consists of green, indicating no heat risk, yellow and orange, signifying risk for heat-sensitive individuals, and red, representing high risk for the general population. The newly introduced magenta tier signifies a very high risk for the entire population over an extended period of time. This tier is triggered when extreme heat persists with little to no overnight relief.
To ensure the system’s effectiveness, it has been tailored to account for regional climate variations. It incorporates high-resolution climatology and locally-relevant health data to provide decision-makers with a user-friendly tool that aligns with public health perspectives.
The red alert, indicating a day within the 5% of hottest days for a given area at a specific time of year, has been employed in the western United States and will now be implemented nationwide. When additional factors, such as the duration of the heat wave, come into play, the alert is elevated to magenta.
The unprecedented heat experienced in the United States from May through September 2023 has underscored the urgent need for such a system. During this period, heat-related emergency room visits soared nationwide, highlighting the severe health consequences of extreme heat.
To further support public safety, the CDC and NWS have compiled a comprehensive guide outlining the warning signs of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. These symptoms include dizziness, headaches, clammy or damp skin, excessive sweating, and fainting. The guide also provides detailed instructions on how to respond to these conditions.
By implementing this advanced heat risk system, the NWS and CDC aim to empower the public with the knowledge and tools necessary to safeguard their health during hot weather events. This collaborative effort exemplifies the commitment to promoting public safety and mitigating the risks associated with extreme heat.
