US Debuts Color-Coded Heat Warning System as Summer Heats Up
Just in time for Earth Day , U.S. health and weather officials launched a ‘HeatRisk’ tool to combat rising temperatures. The system uses a five-color scale—from pale green (low risk) to magenta (deadliest level)—to warn residents about dangerous heat waves.
Why Magenta?
Magenta alerts mean ‘rare/extreme heat’ with little nighttime relief, posing risks to everyone. It’s a step above red (‘major risk’), which already strains healthcare systems. Officials say magenta kicks in when factors like humidity and duration push heat beyond local historical averages.
Science Meets Survival
Modeled after hurricane scales, the tool uses local data—weather patterns, medical records, and climate trends—to predict danger zones. Over 120,000 heat-related ER visits occurred in 2023 alone, per CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen.
‘Hotter for Longer’
With May and June forecasts predicting above-average temperatures, experts urge precautions. \"Heat waves are getting more frequent, intense, and deadly,\" warns National Weather Service Director Ken Graham. Tips include staying hydrated and checking on vulnerable neighbors.
, U.S. health and weather officials launched a ‘HeatRisk’ tool to combat rising temperatures. The system uses a five-color scale—from pale green (low risk) to magenta (deadliest level)—to warn residents about dangerous heat waves. 
Officials say magenta kicks in when factors like humidity and duration push heat beyond local historical averages.
