New Heat Risk System Combines Meteorology and Medicine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Weather Service (NWS) have launched a new online heat risk system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors to provide simplified and color-coded alerts for worsening heat waves.
The system uses a seven-day forecast to provide alerts in five categories, each with a specific color code:
–
Magenta:
Extreme heat with little to no overnight relief, the deadliest category–
Red:
Major risk, especially for people without adequate cooling and hydration–
Orange:
Moderate risk, mostly for people who are sensitive to heat–
Yellow:
Minor risk, mostly for the very young, old, sick, and pregnant–
Pale green:
Little to no riskThe thresholds for each category are based on local weather data, climatology, and health data for heat illnesses and deaths in the area.
Heat is a Serious Health Threat
Heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States, with over 1,200 deaths per year. Last year, over 120,000 people were taken to the emergency room because of heat-related illness.
Preparing for Extreme Heat
As heat waves become more frequent and intense due to climate change, it is important to take precautions to reduce heat-related illnesses and deaths. The CDC recommends talking to your doctor about what you can do to prepare for hot weather, especially if you have a heart condition or asthma.
The new heat risk system is an important tool that can help you stay safe during hot weather. Check the CDC or NWS websites for the heat risk forecast in your area.
