Extreme Heat Poses Significant Health Risks

HeatRisk Map Highlights Areas of Concern

Extreme heat poses a significant threat to human health, with heat-related illnesses being the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States. The National Weather Service (NWS) currently has excessive heat warnings in effect for over 31 million Americans, with more than 57 million under heat advisories.

Risk Categories and Prevention

The NWS HeatRisk map uses color-coded categories to indicate the risk of heat-related illnesses in different areas. Red areas represent extreme risk, orange areas indicate high risk, and yellow areas indicate moderate risk. Individuals in these areas should take precautions to stay cool and hydrated, including drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding strenuous activity during peak heat hours, and wearing loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.

Heat-Related Illnesses

Extreme heat can lead to a range of heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps. Heat stroke is the most serious of these illnesses and can be life-threatening. Symptoms of heat stroke include high body temperature, confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Heat exhaustion and heat cramps are less severe but still require medical attention if symptoms persist.