New Color-Coded Heat Warning System Uses Magenta to Signal Extreme Danger
The National Weather Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have introduced a new color-coded heat warning system that includes a striking new color: magenta. This color is used to alert Americans to the most dangerous heat conditions they may face this summer.
The system combines meteorological and medical risk factors with a seven-day forecast that is simplified and color-coded for a world experiencing worsening heat waves. Dr. Ari Bernstein, director of the National Center for Environmental Health, emphasized the importance of knowing how hot is too hot for health, not just for today but for the coming weeks.
Magenta is the highest level of heat threat, indicating rare and/or long-duration extreme heat with little to no overnight relief. This level is considered more dangerous than red, which is already a major risk. The color-coded system also includes pale green for little to no risk, yellow for minor risk, and orange for moderate risk.
Last year, more than 120,000 people in the United States were taken to the emergency room due to heat-related illnesses. Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the country, with an average of 1,200 deaths per year. With climate change exacerbating heat waves, the new warning system aims to simplify information for better understanding and preparedness.
As summer approaches, the Weather Service’s seasonal forecast for May and June predicts above-average temperatures for much of the United States. Heat waves are becoming hotter, longer, and more frequent, with less relief at night. It is crucial for individuals, especially vulnerable populations, to take precautions and plan ahead for extreme heat events.
The introduction of the magenta level in the heat warning system underscores the urgency of addressing the growing threat of heat-related illnesses and deaths. By providing clear and actionable information, officials hope to reduce the impact of heat waves and protect public health.
