NOAA, CDC Launch HeatRisk, a Tool to Forecast Dangerous Heat .

HeatRisk: #NOAA & #CDC's New #HeatWave Tool Key Takeaways:

• HeatRisk combines temperature forecasts with health data for a 7-day US heat risk map.
• Designed to address increasing intensity, frequency, and duration of heat waves due to climate change.
• Empowers communities, schools, and emergency services with critical heat-related health risk insights.

Further Insights

1. Introduction: HeatRisk, developed by NOAA and CDC, forecasts potential health impacts of high temperatures across the US.

2. Key Features: Uses an experimental color-numeric index to map heat risks up to 7 days in advance, highlighting unusual heat levels and their duration.

3. Community Impact: Has been aiding hazard-mitigation planning and informing decisions about outdoor activities in some states since 2014.

4. Health Risks: The tool is crucial in preventing heat-related illnesses, which led to over 120,000 ER visits in the US last year.

5. User Base: Targets a wide user base, including schools, emergency services, and individuals, especially those vulnerable to heat.

Closing Thoughts: With climate change escalating heat wave dangers, how can tools like HeatRisk further evolve to safeguard public health?