Extended Abstract (56K)J3.3
A National Heat/Health Warning System: Improvement over current system
Mark A. Tew, NOAA/NWS, Silver Spring, MD; and M. J. Brewer and R. E. Livezey
Excessive heat accounts for an estimated 1,000 deaths annually in the U.S. NOAA's National Weather Service currently issues a suite of excessive heat products to provide the Nation advance notice of excessive heat events for the protection of life and property. These products are issued based on a single heat index value derived from temperature and humidity. Recent research has shown that often, a heat index value cannot fully predict when excessive heat becomes sufficient to stress a population causing a heat-related increase in mortality. A national Heat/Health Warning System (HHWS) based upon empirical data would provide the NWS with tailored excessive heat guidance related to actual mortality. This paper will describe how a national HHWS will provide a more accurate and standardized guidance system when warning the public of excessive heat events.
Joint Session 3, Heat/Health Warning Systems: Part I (Joint between the 14th Conference on Applied Climatology and the Symposium on Planning, Nowcasting, and Forecasting in the Urban Zone; Room 619/620)
Wednesday, 14 January 2004, 8:30 AM-9:30 AM, Room 619/620
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