NWS HeatRisk
Identifying Potential Heat Risks in the Seven Day Forecast
Click map for potential heat risks and NWS forecast for a location.
The NWS HeatRisk is an experimental color-numeric-based index that provides a forecast risk of heat-related impacts to occur over a 24-hour period. HeatRisk takes into consideration:
- How unusual the heat is for the time of the year
- The duration of the heat including both daytime and nighttime temperatures
- If those temperatures pose an elevated risk of heat-related impacts based on data from the CDC
| Category | Risk of Heat-Related Impacts |
|---|---|
| Green 0 |
Little to no risk from expected heat. |
| Yellow 1 |
Minor - This level of heat affects primarily those individuals extremely sensitive to heat, especially when outdoors without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. |
| Orange 2 |
Moderate - This level of heat affects most individuals sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. Impacts possible in some health systems and in heat-sensitive industries. |
| Red 3 |
Major - This level of heat affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. Impacts likely in some health systems, heat-sensitive industries and infrastructure. |
| Magenta 4 |
Extreme - This level of rare and/or long-duration extreme heat with little to no overnight relief affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. Impacts likely in most health systems, heat-sensitive industries and infrastructure. |
 |
 |
| HeatRisk | 0-Little to None | 1-Minor | 2-Moderate | 3-Major | 4-Extreme |
Where can I go for more information on how to protect myself from heat?
- Heat.gov
- NWS Weather Ready Nation "Beat the Heat" Resources
- CDC HeatRisk Dashboard
- CDC Heat & Health Tracker
- CDC Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness
- CDC Info for Specific "Heat Sensitive" Groups
- American Red Cross Heat Wave Safety
- Ready.gov Extreme Heat Resource
- OSHA Heat Educational Resources
NWS Potential Heat Risks - Survey