The National Weather Service and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have introduced a new heat warning system that will provide Americans with more accurate and timely information about dangerous heat conditions. The system, which was unveiled on Earth Day, uses a five-color scale to alert people to the heat risk in their area.
The color-coded system is based on meteorological and medical risk factors, and it provides a seven-day forecast of heat risk. The five categories are:
–
Pale green:
Little to no risk–
Yellow:
Minor risk, mostly to the very young, old, sick, and pregnant–
Orange:
Moderate risk, mostly affecting people who are sensitive to heat, especially those without cooling–
Red:
Major risk, which can harm anyone without adequate cooling and hydration–
Magenta:
The worst and deadliest category, indicating rare and/or long-duration extreme heat with little to no overnight reliefThe system is designed to help people understand the health risks associated with heat and to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. The CDC estimates that more than 120,000 people were taken to the emergency room in the United States last year due to heat-related illnesses. Heat is also the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States, with an average of 1,200 deaths per year.
The new heat warning system is available online at the CDC and National Weather Service websites. You can enter your ZIP code to get more localized information about the heat risk in your area.
Heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, so it is important to be aware of the heat risk in your area and to take precautions to stay safe. Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours of the day, and seek air conditioning or other cool places when possible.
