National Weather Service Renames Heat Alerts

The National Weather Service is making changes to help people better understand heat alerts as we head into the warmer months.

As part of its ongoing hazard simplification effort, the Weather Service has renamed two of its alerts. What used to be called an Excessive Heat Watch and Excessive Heat Warning will now be known as an Extreme Heat Watch and Extreme Heat Warning. The Heat Advisory will keep its name, and it’s issued when the heat index is expected to exceed 100 degrees.

Now for the Extreme Heat Warning it has to feel like 105°F or more during the day and stay very warm at night — at least 75°F — for two or more days. It can also be issued if it’s expected to feel like 100°F or more for four days in a row. Officials say the goal is to make it easier for the public to recognize and respond to serious heat events.