New HeatRisk Tool: How Public Health Officials are Combating the Dangers of Extreme Heat

In collaboration with the National Weather Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have launched a new tool called HeatRisk to monitor the effects of rising heat on our health. This tool provides a seven-day heat forecast across the country, alerting individuals when temperatures may pose a threat to their well-being. The HeatRisk tool assigns risk levels ranging from 0 to 4 and color-codes them from green to magenta.

At the lowest level of 0 or green, heat levels are minimal or non-existent. However, at the highest level of 4 or magenta, heat can be extremely dangerous for individuals, health systems, and heat-sensitive industries. In addition to providing temperature forecasts, the tool also offers information on local air quality and guidance for clinicians on how to protect those most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, such as pregnant women, children with asthma, and individuals with cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Mallika Marshall is an Emmy-award-winning journalist and physician who has been reporting on health issues for over 20 years. She is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics and practices at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. Currently, she treats patients with COVID-19 at her practice. Dr. Marshall is also a host and contributing editor for Harvard Health Publications.

The HeatRisk tool is just one of many ways that public health officials are working to keep us safe during extreme weather events like heatwaves. By monitoring temperatures and offering guidance on how to protect ourselves from the harmful effects of heat, this tool is helping us stay informed about potential health risks so that we can take action before they become serious problems.