New HeatRisk Tool Takes Aim at Dangerous Heat Levels Across the US: An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Mallika Marshall on COVID-19 and Heat-Sensitive Health Issues.

The HealthRisk Tool, a collaboration between the CDC and National Weather Service, is designed to monitor the impact of rising heat on our health. This tool provides a seven-day heat forecast across the nation, alerting individuals when temperatures may pose a threat to their well-being. The HeatRisk tool assigns levels of risk, ranging from 0 to 4 and color-coded from green to magenta.

At the lowest level of 0 or green, heat levels are minimal or non-existent. However, at the highest level of 4 or magenta, heat can be extremely dangerous for individuals, health systems, and heat-sensitive industries. The tool also offers information on local air quality and guidance for clinicians on how to protect those most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, such as pregnant women, children with asthma, and individuals with cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Mallika Marshall is an Emmy-award-winning journalist and physician who has been the HealthWatch Reporter for CBS Boston/WBZ-TV for over 20 years. She is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics and practices at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where she currently treats patients with COVID-19. Dr. Marshall is also a host and contributing editor for Harvard Health Publications.