Amidst the cooling temperatures across Southern California, the summer heat is just months away. To assist in assessing the impending high temperatures’ impact on health and guiding preventive measures, the CDC and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service have collaborated on a groundbreaking interactive tool. This tool has been expanded to 48 states in the U.S., allowing for widespread access to customized heat risk forecasts.
The tool, known as HeatRisk, utilizes a five-level color scale to convey health risks associated with heat, considering both temperature and humidity. The color scale ranges from green (no risk) to magenta (extreme risk). It provides actionable guidance to assist individuals in managing health risks during periods of intense heat.
Heat-related illnesses can manifest in various forms, including heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, sunburn, and heat rash. The CDC has identified vulnerable populations at increased risk, such as infants, young children, seniors, overweight individuals, and those with underlying health conditions or taking certain medications.
The HeatRisk tool provides day-to-day and weekly forecasts, highlighting potential risks and suggesting protective measures. For example, during periods of minor risk (yellow), staying hydrated and cool is recommended. The tool emphasizes the significance of precautionary measures, especially for individuals with medical conditions, who may need to consult with healthcare professionals to develop personalized plans.
Kimberly McMahon, program manager for the National Weather Service’s public weather services, highlights the importance of heat risk awareness for everyone, not just vulnerable populations. She advises the public to incorporate heat planning into their disaster preparedness strategies, ensuring access to drinking water and cool indoor spaces. Publicly accessible locations like libraries and cooling centers can serve as refuge during extreme heat.
Staying informed about the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses is crucial. These include muscle cramps, excessive sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, weakness, and nausea. The Los Angeles County Public Health Department provides detailed information on heat-related illnesses and their treatment.
Additional cooling strategies include wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, avoiding strenuous activity during peak heat hours, and seeking shade whenever possible. The CDC and National Weather Service welcome feedback on the HeatRisk tool, which can be submitted through an online survey.
