J3.4
Use of heat/health warning systems in extreme climates: the Phoenix challenge
Anton F. Haffer, NOAA/NWSFO, Phoenix, AZ
The synoptic-based Heat/Health System (developed at the University of Delaware) has been running in Phoenix for three summers. Use of the System has been a growing experience, partly because of the extreme summer climate of Phoenix, but also because the urban area has exhibited a localized warming over the past few decades. For these reasons, several modifications, unique to Phoenix, have been made to the System. One of these involves the inclusion of a record high temperature curve which is frequently approached; if temperatures are near that curve, the Phoenix WFO issues a Heat Advisory regardless of the system guidance. We have made other modifications as well that will be discussed in this paper.
One system enhancement that we are planning for next summer involves the addition of a "Evaporative Cooler Alert." The Phoenix WFO will issue a special advisory when conditions are such that the ubiquitous evaporative coolers in this area are inefficient in providing any relief. Many of the poorer residents of the Phoenix area depend solely on these coolers, and thus should be provided with special notifications when weather situations render these coolers inefficient.
.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
Previous paper