US introduces new heat warning color 'magenta' as temperatures rise
The National Weather Service (NWS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have introduced a novel heat risk system in response to escalating global temperatures. Announced on Earth Day, this system features a color-coded scale with an added fifth tier of heat severity, represented by magenta. The Associated Press reports that this level signifies "rare and/or long-duration extreme heat with little to no overnight relief."
Color-coding system to indicate heat risk
The newly introduced system provides a seven-day forecast of severe weather conditions, enabling the public to prepare for impending heat events. Per sources, green indicates no heat risk, yellow and orange suggest risk to those sensitive to heat and lacking cooling or hydration, red signifies a high risk for everyone, and magenta denotes an extremely high risk for all over an extended duration.
What is red alert and how it changes to magenta?
A red alert is triggered when a day falls within the 5% of hottest days for a specific area at a particular time of year. The alert escalates to magenta considering other factors such as the length of the heat wave. An enhanced version of this heat risk map, previously used only in the western United States, will now be implemented nationwide.
The necessity for the new system
The necessity for this new system is underscored by recent temperature records. The period from May through September 2023 was the warmest ever recorded in the United States during the warm-season, leading to a surge in heat-related emergency room visits. Furthermore, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed that 2023 was globally the hottest year, with no year colder than average recorded since 1976.
Impact of extreme heatwaves
As global temperatures rise, cities worldwide are experiencing an increase in extreme heatwaves. These heatwaves, already causing approximately 1,300 deaths annually in the US alone, are projected to lead to 38,000 deaths globally by 2050. Alarmingly, the most vulnerable demographics, including children under five and adults over 65, are disproportionately affected, according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Children are particularly affected
Children, particularly those under five, face heightened risks due to their limited ability to regulate body temperature, lower sweat rates, and faster heart and breathing rates compared to adults. Furthermore, the impact of heat on children is compounded by pre-existing medical conditions, such as respiratory and cardiovascular ailments. This makes it even more challenging for them to cope with elevated temperatures.
