The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Weather Service (NWS) introduced new tools to help Americans prepare for extreme heat this summer.
In the U.S., heatwaves have been the top weather-related killer, affecting more than 1,220 people in the recent year.
CDC, NWS Unveiled HeatRisk Tools
The agencies developed HeatRisk tools that will project forecasts and health recommendations based on the area. Users can simply input their zip code for the tool to analyze the possible heat scenario in a specific area.
"The main thing we hope to accomplish with HeatRisk is that it will be used by individuals to help them personalize what forecasted heat will mean to them and better understand what actions they may need to take," said Jessica Lee, NWS public weather services program coordinator.
The experimental HeatRisk forecast online tool utilizes a new color-coded index that predicts the possible heat-related impact within 24 hours. The green refers to little to no risk, yellow for minor risk, orange for moderate impact, red for major effect, and magenta for long-duration extreme heat.
US Under Observation for Extreme Heat This Summer
The National Integrated Heat Health Information System estimated that more than 76 million people have been under extreme heat conditions in the U.S. within the last 30 days.
States like Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois, are some of the places that are currently under excessive heat warning watch. On the contrary, the Northwest portion of the country is still under little to no risk.
Children and older people are advised to be monitored at all times as they become more vulnerable in the heat. Kids are less efficient in cooling down while older adults often suffer from other health conditions that could get worse with the heat.
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