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Climate Change Is Harming Our Health — Here's What Actually Works
Key Takeaways
- New York City lowered its emergency heat-alert threshold in 2008, moving away from the National Weather Service heat index benchmark of 105 F (40.6 C).
- The revised plan triggers when temperatures hit 100 F (37.8 C) for one day or 95 F (35 C) for two consecutive days.
- Activation brings targeted outreach to vulnerable groups including homeless residents, phone alerts, power and water protections, and cooling centers.
- The lower threshold correlated with a more than 50% drop in hospitalizations for heat stroke and related illnesses on hot days.
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DT Editorial Team··via livescience.com