What does it mean to be on “extreme heat alert”? Tips and recommendations for the 2025 heat wave in the U.S.
A major heatwave is sweeping across the U.S., prompting the NWS to issue multiple heat alerts. Here’s what they mean and how to stay safe as temperatures soar.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issues a variety of heat warnings and advisories to keep the public informed about the risks posed to their health, especially for sensitive groups such as children and the elderly.
What are the three different types of heat advisories?
The lowest level of advisory issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) is a Heat Advisory, which is announced when “dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria” could develop in an area. If you’re under this type of alert, the NWS recommends that people “consider postponing or rescheduling outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day.” If you plan to be outside, it’s important to stay in the shade as much as possible, limit physical activity, and drink plenty of water.
If you’re in an area where the NWS issues an Extreme Heat Watch, it means that “conditions are favorable for an extreme heat event but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain.” In this case, it’s wise to monitor the forecast closely to see if the alert is upgraded to a warning. You should also plan your day to minimize time spent outdoors. If you’re hosting an outdoor event, consider canceling or moving it indoors to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and dehydration. If your home lacks air conditioning, the NWS advises locating the nearest cooling center or staying with friends or family who have a cooling unit.
Finally, when the NWS issues an Extreme Heat Warning, it signals that “extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring.” At this stage, more serious precautions are necessary. Similar to a heat advisory, you should avoid outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and ensure access to air conditioning, especially for seniors or individuals with health conditions that make them more susceptible to extreme heat.
A few tips and recommendations for staying cool
The ready.gov website has a list of recommendations that you can apply to keep cool this season:
- Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.
- If air conditioning is not available in your home go to a cooling center.
- Take cool showers or baths.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home.
- If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors, during midday heat, if possible.
- Check on family members, seniors and neighbors.
- Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Which areas of the US are under an extreme heat warning?
Communities across Arizona and Nevada are currently under an Extreme Heat Warning. The full list of towns can be found on the NWS’s website and should be checked frequently, as the list can change quickly. As temperatures are expected to rise in the coming days and through the weekend, the NWS has issued Extreme Heat Watches across seven states: Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The up-to-date list can be found here, while the active Heat Advisories can be found at this web address. Similar to a heat advisory, you should avoid outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and ensure access to air conditioning, especially for seniors or individuals with health conditions that make them more susceptible
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