“Introducing HeatRisk: The Tool Developed by NOAA and CDC to Combat Heat Exposure and Save Lives”
In response to the planet’s warmest year on record and a surge in heat-related deaths in 2023, U.S. agencies have collaborated to develop a groundbreaking tool called HeatRisk. This tool, a result of a partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aims to combat the escalating number of heat-related fatalities each year.
According to Kimberly McMahon from the National Weather Service (NWS), who joined FOX Weather to discuss the partnership, HeatRisk goes beyond the traditional heat index and considers factors such as the duration of heat waves. Heat illnesses are cumulative, meaning the risk increases with prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that climate change is leading to more frequent and intense heat waves, resulting in nearly 1,220 heat-related deaths annually in the U.S. Last year marked the warmest year globally, with the winter also setting records for warmth. HeatRisk comes at a crucial time to help individuals, especially those vulnerable to heat, prepare and protect themselves from extreme temperatures.
The CDC reported that more than two-thirds of Americans were under heat alerts in 2023, with heat being the leading weather-related cause of death each year. Heat-related fatalities outnumber those caused by floods, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes, and cold combined.
HeatRisk includes a forecast tool and a dashboard that provides seven-day alerts for potentially dangerous temperatures. The dashboard combines weather forecasts with air quality data by zip code, assigning a risk level from “no risk” to “extreme” and offering health recommendations. It also breaks down the risk for different population segments.
The tool utilizes weather and climate records, as well as heat mortality data from over 700 locations in the contiguous U.S., to map out abnormal temperature thresholds and the corresponding risk of heat-related deaths. The risk rating considers the unusualness of the heat for a specific location and the duration of the heatwave, including day and night temperatures.
In addition to the general public, HeatRisk also provides clinical guidance for caregivers and medical professionals to assist vulnerable populations such as children with asthma, pregnant women, and individuals with cardiovascular disease in staying safe during heatwaves.
A recent report in the journal Lancet projected a significant increase in heat-related deaths globally, particularly among individuals over 65. The study highlighted the adverse impact of heat exposure on health, mental well-being, and productivity, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address the rising threat of extreme heat.
As heat-related deaths continue to rise each year, tools like HeatRisk play a crucial role in raising awareness, providing timely alerts, and empowering individuals to protect themselves from the dangers of extreme heat. With climate change exacerbating heatwaves, collaborative efforts between government agencies and public health organizations are essential in mitigating the impact of rising temperatures on public health and safety.