2023 Heat-Related Emergencies: 4 Facts About High to Extreme Heat in the US

The report reveals that there are increased hospitalizations, power outages, and heightened risks for vulnerable populations, particularly older adults and people with medical conditions.

New York City. Parts of the US recorded warming and high temperatures in 2023, increasing the risk of heat-related health concerns. Prolonged exposure to hotter temperatures can lead to heat stroke or heat exhaustion, leading to potential death. (Photo : by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Understanding the effects of heat-related health risks can keep people's lives safe from heat stroke and heat exhaustion. As climate change worsens, people become more vulnerable to warming and high-temperature trends.

Record-Breaking Temperatures

In a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, warm conditions occurred from May through September, July, and August. There is an increase in total visits for heat-related illnesses in 2023.

The report warns of frequency and extreme heat in parts of the U.S., noting the unprecedented heatwaves and that most parts of the country recorded high temperatures. With record-breaking temperatures, communities can likely suffer more from frequent heatwaves and adverse health conditions.

Rise in Hospitalizations

The rising temperatures caused a rise in hospitalizations in parts of the U.S., particularly in portions of Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and parts of the Southern U.S. When temperatures reached a whopping 95, it could lead to an extreme level of heat in the U.S.

The CDC report warns that extreme heat is considered a public concern, and heat-related illnesses can pose significant risks to people's health. In recent findings, 2023 was recorded as the warmest year on record.

Additionally, extreme heat could be challenging for vulnerable sectors, particularly for areas without any heating system.

Preventing strategies

Due to temperature fluctuations and climate change, the report highlights the importance of intervention strategies and public announcements to potentially reduce the risk of heat waves in the U.S.

The mitigation strategies are important for communities and susceptible areas in parts of the U.S. For homeowners, keeping updated with the weather reports can save Americans from prolonged exposure to scorching heat, especially during the summer.

CDC advises on the importance of energy assistance programs and cooling stations for people who have no access to cooling conditions.

Continuing Public Health Concerns

The latest report warns of the continued threats of heat-related health risks in parts of the U.S. due to frequent episodes of high temperatures and climate change.

In a NOAA report, March 2024 was recorded as the warmest on record based on the agency's 175-year data, with surface temperatures reaching 1.35°C (2.43°F). In the U.S. and Eastern Canada, the report highlights that warmer-than-average temperatures occurred.

Climate change can unleash extreme weather events, from droughts to heatwaves, and wildfires. These three are the major concerns in the U.S., as drought can affect crops and animals' health.

Also Read: Rising Temperature Increases Health Risk and Infectious Diseases, Expert Warns

Extreme Heat Safety: How Can People Stay Safe?

Red Cross report reveals that scorching heat is one of the deadly weather events. Home preparation and awareness can potentially reduce the risks by recognizing the symptoms of heat-related health concerns.