Responding to the record number of heat-related deaths and the planet’s warmest year on record, U.S. agencies have developed HeatRisk, a tool to help people prepare for and avoid the dangers of extreme heat. HeatRisk combines weather and climate data with health information to provide a forecast and risk level for zip codes across the U.S. It also includes guidance for caregivers and medical professionals on how to help vulnerable populations stay safe in hot weather.
Residents of Tiruchi and its neighboring districts are facing extreme heat as temperatures have soared above 41 degrees Celsius. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 40.3 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, which is still significantly higher than the normal temperature for this time of year. Neighboring districts such as Karur, Perambalur, and Ariyalur have also been experiencing heat wave conditions with temperatures reaching over 41 degrees Celsius. This unusually hot weather has been attributed to high temperatures and humid conditions, and is expected to continue until April 27th according to the Chennai Regional Meteorological Centre. Residents are advised to take precautions to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses.
The National Weather Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have launched a new heat risk system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors to provide a seven-day forecast of heat risk, color-coded for easy comprehension. The system introduces magenta as the deadliest of five heat threat categories, indicating extreme heat with little to no overnight relief. The heat risk categories range from pale green (little to no risk) to yellow (minor risk), orange (moderate risk), red (major risk), and magenta (deadliest risk). The system relies on science-based numerical thresholds to determine heat risk levels and considers local weather data, climatology, and health data. The CDC and Weather Service websites provide access to the heat risk tool, allowing users to enter their ZIP code for localized information. The system aims to simplify heat risk communication and enhance preparedness and planning to reduce heat-related illnesses and deaths as climate change intensifies heat waves.
This summer, people across the U.S. will have a new way to keep track of dangerous heat headed their way through a new heat warning system called HeatRisk. The tool, developed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will be used by National Weather Service offices across the country to give people an understanding of when heat goes from uncomfortable to dangerous.
The National Weather Service and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have developed a new heat risk system that uses color-coded warnings to alert Americans to dangerous heat conditions. The system uses a seven-day forecast and combines meteorological and medical risk factors to provide simplified and easy-to-understand alerts.
The National Weather Service and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have introduced a new heat risk system that uses a five-color scale to warn Americans of dangerous heat conditions. The system combines meteorological and medical risk factors to determine the heat risk for a given location and provides a seven-day forecast. The worst category, magenta, indicates ‘rare and/or long-duration extreme heat with little to no overnight relief.’ The system is designed to help people understand the health risks associated with heat and to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have collaborated to develop a suite of resources to protect individuals in the United States from the escalating dangers of extreme heat. These resources include color-coded heat forecasts, a public dashboard displaying local heat risks and air quality levels, and guidelines for healthcare professionals on educating patients about heat-related illnesses. The initiative aims to raise awareness among vulnerable populations and provide them with tools to prepare for and cope with heat waves.
A recent report by the International Labor Organization (ILO) reveals the alarming threat posed by extreme heat to global workers. Statistics from 2020 indicate that over 2.4 billion workers face some level of heat exposure, a figure that has risen since 2000. This excessive heat contributes to approximately 22.87 million occupational injuries annually, resulting in 18,970 fatalities and over 2 million disability-adjusted life years. Additionally, the report associates 26 million cases of chronic kidney disease with heat-related work conditions.
