As heat-related deaths increase in the United States, the CDC and National Weather Service have collaborated to launch tools that forecast potential health risks associated with heat in your area.
The CDC’s HeatRisk Dashboard, designed for the public, provides personalized information about heat risk based on zip code. It includes daily air quality data, protective measures, and suggested activity limitations for different heat risk levels.
The HeatRisk Forecast Tool, created for health officials, displays a seven-day heat forecast with color-coded indices for heat-related impacts, ranging from low to extreme risk. Factors considered in calculating the index include unusual heat patterns, duration of heat, and potential for elevated health risks.
Additionally, the CDC has developed guidance for clinicians to safeguard at-risk individuals during extreme heat, addressing its impact on physical and mental health, and how medications may affect heat tolerance.
With more than two-thirds of the US experiencing heat alerts last year and a peak in emergency department visits for heat-related illnesses in 2023, the CDC emphasizes that heat-related deaths are preventable. These tools aim to keep citizens informed and protected during excessive heat conditions.
