Results for: Heat-related Illness

As temperatures soar, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between heatstroke and heat exhaustion to protect yourself from heat-related illnesses. Heatstroke occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can release, leading to a rapid rise in body temperature to 41°C or higher. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, impaired consciousness, and seizures. Heat exhaustion, while less severe, can also cause discomfort and should not be ignored. It manifests as a headache, hot and red face, sweating, fatigue, nausea, and dizziness. To stay safe, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, stay hydrated, and seek immediate medical attention if you suspect heatstroke.

In collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Weather Service (NWS) has introduced a groundbreaking heat risk system to effectively communicate the severity of hot weather conditions. This color-coded system includes a new magenta tier, representing extreme heat with prolonged duration and limited overnight relief, beyond the existing red tier. The system also offers a seven-day extreme weather forecast, enabling the public to proactively prepare for heat events.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have unveiled a new color-coded heat warning scale called “HeatRisk.” This tool combines weather forecasts with climate and heat-related health data to provide a seven-day heat forecast for any location across the country. The tool uses five different numerical “risk levels” to indicate the level of heat concern and risk of heat-related impacts for a particular location. The levels range from “little to no risk” to “extreme risk” and correspond to different colors, such as “red” meaning a major risk. The tool is designed to help Americans, especially those with increased health risks, stay safe when exposed to extreme heat. Users can access the HeatRisk tool through an interactive dashboard on the CDC website or by using the National Weather Service’s (NWS) mobile app.

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.