NOAA Debuts "HeatRisk" Tool Nationwide

news image
Special Stories
28 Apr 2024 10:05 AM

More people die from heat every year than ALL other extreme weather COMBINED. So how do you know how hot it is it really going to be? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA] and the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control [CDC] worked collaboratively to produce a new HeatRisk tool rolling out this summer from coast to coast. The tool had previously been used on the West Coast, but the 2024 summer will bring this experimental product to all cities across the U.S.

According to Kimberly McMahon, the NWS Public Weather Services Program Manager, "HeatRisk is a great tool to just put into context, how hot it's going to be compared to what they're used to."

The HeatRisk scale ranges from minor to extreme impacts and is color-coded from yellow to magenta. For reference, a MINOR impact day is your typical summer day. MODERATE days bring impact to vulnerable populations, especially people who are in the sun for long periods or without A/C. On these days, fans and open windows help to alleviate heat impacts inside. 

MAJOR impact days can be deadly for those without A/C and power interruptions are possible due to the heat stress. Hospitals are likely to see an increase in the number of ER visits due to heat-related illnesses. Outdoor activities should be shifted to cooler times of the day. 

Finally, EXTREME impact days are for long-duration or potentially record-breaking heat events. There will be little to no relief from the heat overnight... and power outages are likely due to the stress on the grid. Outdoor activities should be canceled, and you should stay in cool spaces.  In 2023 during Phoenix's month-long stretch of 100°+ degree days, more people died in their un-air conditions homes than outdoors.

The HeatRisk tool incorporated heat forecast and historical data from NOAA to include: how above normal the temperatures are, the time of year, the duration of the heat, and overnight relief potential. It also considers at what temperature heat deaths occur for over 700 cities in the U.S.. That data was imperative in designing the tool to know at what level heat becomes deadly, unique to geographic location. For example, Phoenix's 110°, though hot, wouldn't be an "extreme" day during the summer. Take that same 110° but for Chicago? The risk becomes extreme. Look for the new HeatRisk product and temperature forecasts this summer on WeatherNationTV. For more information from NOAA, visit the HeatRisk Dashboard.

All Weather News
More
Severe Storm Threat Diminishes, Flooded Areas Remain

Severe Storm Threat Diminishes, Flooded Areas Remain

A squall line raced across the South Saturday

17 Feb 2025 1:30 AM
Snow & Ice Stick Around for the Northeast

Snow & Ice Stick Around for the Northeast

The Northeast continues to remain active into

17 Feb 2025 1:15 AM
Heavy Snow Continues Across the Rockies Through 2/20

Heavy Snow Continues Across the Rockies Through 2/20

Heavy snow accumulation continues across the

17 Feb 2025 1:10 AM
Dangerous Cold Returning to Much of the Country Next Week

Dangerous Cold Returning to Much of the Country Next Week

While we've been watching some serious cold t

17 Feb 2025 1:00 AM
Heavy Snow Possible from the Plains to the Mid-Atlantic

Heavy Snow Possible from the Plains to the Mid-Atlantic

Ready for another round of snow?? Another bur

16 Feb 2025 10:50 PM
Storm Unloads Rain and Snow in California, Clearing for the Weekend

Storm Unloads Rain and Snow in California, Clearing for the Weekend

Heavy rain caused several issues in Californi

14 Feb 2025 9:35 PM
Tornadoes Hit the South, Risk Lessens Thursday

Tornadoes Hit the South, Risk Lessens Thursday

At least two tornadoes were confirmed from We

13 Feb 2025 7:50 PM