The Biden administration launched an online tool called HeatRisk on Monday to help keep people safe from extreme heat by identifying areas in the lower 48 states where temperatures could harm their health. This interactive map can be found on the websites of both the National Weather Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
During a press conference on Monday, CDC Director Mandy Cohen emphasized that while heat can have a negative impact on health, heat-related illness and death are preventable. The HeatRisk map is intended to raise awareness about the dangers of extreme heat and help individuals make informed decisions to protect their well-being.
Users can navigate through the map to view current heat conditions and a forecast for the next few days. The map is color-coded to indicate the risk of heat-related health impacts, with green representing little to no risk and magenta highlighting areas of extreme heat health impacts.
The HeatRisk tool was developed in collaboration between the National Weather Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other federal agencies. It is designed to provide real-time information about heat risks and help individuals take steps to stay safe during extreme weather events.
