Combating the Heat: New Tools and Initiatives to Protect Americans from Rising Temperatures

On Monday, federal officials introduced a comprehensive set of tools aimed at safeguarding individuals in the United States from the perils of extreme heat. Developed collaboratively by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these resources encompass various elements.

Firstly, there are newly created color-coded heat forecasts, providing localized predictions to help people understand and anticipate heat-related risks. Additionally, a public dashboard has been unveiled, offering a user-friendly interface that displays local heat risks and air quality levels. This dashboard serves as a valuable tool for individuals seeking information on their specific area’s heat conditions.

Furthermore, updated guidelines have been issued for clinicians, equipping them with the necessary knowledge to educate patients about coping with heat waves and the potential health impacts of extreme heat. By disseminating this information, medical professionals can play a crucial role in raising awareness and promoting preventive measures.

These tools are part of a broader initiative undertaken by the government to enhance the nation’s preparedness for heat waves, which have been intensifying in frequency, duration, and severity due to climate change. The primary focus is to ensure that individuals who are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat, such as seniors, pregnant women, asthma patients, young children, and those with underlying health conditions, are well-informed and empowered to protect themselves.

One notable addition to the toolset is an experimental system named “HeatRisk,” developed by NOAA. It offers a seven-day heat forecast for locations across the contiguous U.S., featuring a numerical and color-coded scale to indicate the potential dangers of heat and humidity in specific areas.

For seamless integration, the HeatRisk system can be utilized alongside the CDC’s new dashboard. By entering their zip code into this dashboard, individuals gain access to real-time and forecasted heat risks, as well as air quality information, tailored to their location.

Through the collaborative efforts of NOAA and the CDC, these tools provide valuable resources to help individuals and communities stay informed, take necessary precautions, and mitigate the adverse effects of extreme heat events.

Credit: https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk/

During a news briefing on Monday, CDC Director Mandy Cohen highlighted the practical applications of the tools and guidelines, explaining how they can assist people in various ways. For instance, individuals without access to functioning air conditioning can use these resources to find suitable locations to stay cool. They can also learn to recognize symptoms of heat-related illness and understand how their medications may interact with heat.

Cohen emphasized that while heat can impact our health, heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable. Surprisingly, heat-related fatalities in the United States exceed those caused by other extreme weather events such as floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Last year marked the warmest on record globally, with particularly scorching summers across vast regions of the U.S., especially in the South and Southwest.

NOAA officials expressed their hope that these new resources will aid communities in preparing for the upcoming summer months. The agency anticipates above-average temperatures for much of the U.S. in May and June, foreshadowing another hot summer nationwide. NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad emphasized the significance of early preparation when it comes to heat-related risks.

NOAA’s HeatRisk tool employs a scale ranging from 0 (green) indicating minimal or no risk from expected heat, to 4 (magenta), denoting extreme and/or prolonged heat-related impacts. The risk levels consider projected high and low temperatures, incorporating cumulative effects over both daytime and nighttime conditions. The tool provides personalized outlooks based on location, recognizing that a 100-degree Fahrenheit day in Miami differs from the same temperature in Phoenix.

To provide further context, the forecasts incorporate historical data, helping individuals understand the unusual nature of projected temperatures for a given time of year. Ken Graham, director of NOAA’s National Weather Service, highlighted how these tools can assist users in planning activities by determining when to limit outdoor time or postpone strenuous tasks. The aim is to provide supplementary context alongside the heat watches and warnings issued by the agency.

The HeatRisk tool originated as a prototype for California in 2013, developed by the National Weather Service. It was subsequently expanded in 2017 to include all Western states and is now available experimentally across the contiguous U.S.

The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the tool to the National Weather Service until September 30th.