In an effort to monitor the impact of rising heat on our health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have joined forces with the National Weather Service. The HeatRisk Tool is a seven-day heat forecast that alerts individuals when temperatures may pose a threat to their well-being.
The HeatRisk tool assigns levels of risk, ranging from 0 to 4 and color-coded 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. 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 the HealthWatch Reporter for CBS Boston/WBZ-TV for over 20 years. She is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics and practices at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where she currently treats patients with COVID-19. Dr. Marshall is also a host and contributing editor for Harvard Health Publications.