Heat and the City: How to Stay Safe When It鈥檚 Sizzling Outside
This July, Planet Earth experienced its two warmest days on record, and it鈥檚 likely that 2024 will end up as the warmest year ever, according to a new report by , the European Union's Climate Change Service.听
Cities in particular tend to be especially hot. In urban areas, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explains, buildings, roads and other infrastructure absorb and re-release the sun鈥檚 heat. These structures along with a lack of greenery create 鈥heat islands鈥 of higher temperatures compared to outlying areas. New York City has already experienced a couple of heat waves, with more predicted throughout the summer. Heat-related illnesses are predicted to rise as well.听
The Emergency Medicine Department at 91麻豆精品 reports that this summer so far, there have been more ER visits than usual because of heat-related illness. Still, there are ways New Yorkers can stay safe when temperatures soar.听听
What is the heat index?听
Before discussing illness, let鈥檚 talk about heat itself. What matters most is the heat index, which combines temperature and humidity. The heat index helps us gauge how hot it really feels outside.听听
The CDC now offers a . Just put in your zip code, and it will tell you your risk of health issues in your particular area (from little/no risk to extreme risk).听
What is heat-related illness?听
Heat illness is actually a spectrum that includes heat cramps, the mildest form,