Be Aware of the Heat Risk - Protect Your Health

Each National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast Office issues some or all of the following heat-related products as conditions warrant. NWS local offices often collaborate with local partners to determine when an alert should be issued for a local area. You may check the NWS Heat Risk here. 

Excessive Heat Warning—Take Action! An Excessive Heat Warning is issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions. The general rule of thumb for this Warning is when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 105° or higher for at least 2 days and night time air temperatures will not drop below 75°; however, these criteria vary across the country, especially for areas not used to extreme heat conditions. If you don't take precautions immediately when conditions are extreme, you may become seriously ill or even die.

Excessive Heat Watches—Be Prepared! Heat watches are issued when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 24 to 72 hours. A Watch is used when the risk of a heat wave has increased but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain.

Heat Advisory—Take Action! A Heat Advisory is issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions. The general rule of thumb for this Advisory is when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 100° or higher for at least 2 days, and night time air temperatures will not drop below 75°; however, these criteria vary across the country, especially for areas that are not used to dangerous heat conditions. Take precautions to avoid heat illness. If you don't take precautions, you may become seriously ill or even die.

Excessive Heat Outlooks—Be Aware! The outlooks are issued when the potential exists for an excessive heat event in the next 3-7 days. An Outlook provides information to those who need considerable lead-time to prepare for the event.

For more information visit the National Weather Service.

CDC Heat Warning - Extreme Heat and Your Health

Key Point:

• Heat related deaths and illnesses are preventable. Despite this fact, approximately 1,220 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year.

Actions you can take to protect your health:

• Even a few hours in a cool location can lower your risk for health problems from heat.
• Stay hydrated, stay cool.

• If you are outside, especially for a long time, you can:
  • Stay in the shade as much as possible.
  • Take breaks when you can.
  • Do outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day or evening, if possible.

• When you are indoors, you can:
  • Use air conditioning or find a location that has one.
  • Use a fan to cool your body off, only when indoor temperatures are less than 90°F.

• Be sure to: 
  • Check on your family, friends, and neighbors, especially if they have chronic medical problems or live alone.
  • Check on pets.
  • Work with your doctor to see if you need to take additional health actions.
  • Check the air quality in your area before heading out.

• Heat and Your Health

For more information, please visit the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention for information on extreme heat.