CDC Announces Important Advances in Protecting Americans from Heat

The CDC, in collaboration with NOAA's National Weather Service, has launched the Heat and Health Initiative to combat the escalating health risks posed by heat exposure. Comprising three key resources, including the HeatRisk Forecast Tool and the HeatRisk Dashboard, the initiative empowers individuals to stay cool, stay hydrated, and recognize symptoms of heat-related illnesses.

With heat alerts affecting over two-thirds of Americans in 2023, and heat events growing in frequency and intensity, the initiative aims to mitigate the alarming surge in emergency department visits due to heat-related illnesses. CDC Director Mandy Cohen emphasizes the preventable nature of heat-related health issues and underscores the importance of these new tools and guidance in safeguarding public health. Read more from the CDC here.