Latest news with #NationalCentersforEnvironmentalInformation
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Is It Safe to Exercise Outside Today? This Chart Can Help You Decide
If this summer feels super warm to you, that's probably because it is. Crazy-high temperatures in a lot of the country are the new normal, thanks largely to climate change. In fact, June 2025, was the third-warmest since record-keeping began in 1850, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. The period from January to June 2025 was the second-hottest first half of the year ever. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like these high temps are going to go down any time soon. In May, the World Meteorological Organization issued a statement saying that temperatures are expected to stay at or near record levels for the next five years. The heat is not just uncomfortable — it can be downright dangerous. The most recent figures show that heat-related illnesses contribute to more than 1,000 Americans every year, according to the EPA. In some instances, heat stroke may kill someone and in other cases, certain existing conditions may be exacerbated by the high temperature. What that means to folks who stay fit by walking, running, biking, playing pickleball or doing anything else under the sun: a greater chance of being hit by heat exhaustion or one of the more serious health calamities brought on by high temperatures, says Elizabeth Gardner, M.D., a sports medicine expert and an associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine. 'It certainly is a paradigm shift, but this is where we're at,' says Dr. Gardner, of the fact that we all have to do more to guard against heat exhaustion, heat stroke and other issues, even if we're used to working out in warm climates. How hot is too hot to work out? Google that question, and you'll get a big '90°F' up at the top of the search results, but that's just an estimate and only part of the story. 'The problem with that number is that it doesn't take into account the other factors that affect your body's perception and experience with heat,' says Dr. Gardner. 'We all know that 90° temperatures and 90% humidity in Connecticut or the Bahamas is not the same as 90° in Arizona with dry heat. It feels different, and the body is being stressed in different ways.'You can reference the Heat index from the National Weather Service above, which combines the humidity with the temperature to give what the temperature feels like for your body. For instance, if the temperature is 90°F and the humidity is 70, you've entered the dangerous zone of 105°F, which means you may be susceptible to heat-related illnesses. You can also use its calculator to help you. But if the only info you have is the temperature, 80° to 90°F is the be-extra-careful zone, says Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.S.O., C.D.N., NASM-CPT, the Good Housekeeping Institute's Nutrition Lab Director, who is also a personal trainer. 'There are a lot of variables, so it's hard to pin it down to just a number.' Other factors to consider The humidity Why? Because sweating is the main way your body cools itself down when you expend energy. If the air contains a lot of moisture — i.e., if it's humid — the sweat doesn't evaporate as quickly (or at all) and you don't cool down. 'You just keep sweating and getting dehydrated, and you're still not able to get rid of the heat,' says Dr. Gardner. And low humidity is differently tricky — your sweat evaporates quickly, which means you cool down quicker, which is good. 'But in dry heat the sweat evaporates so quickly that you don't even notice it, which means you don't see the telltale sign that you need to hydrate,' says Sassos. You can, in fact, get dehydrated really easily in dry heat (or when you're swimming), even if you don't seem to sweat. The heat index (which factors in heat and humidity) or the 'feels like' temperature on your phone's weather app is an at-a-glance way to get a better idea of what it will feel like outside, though sports medicine health professionals use the 'wet bulb' gauge, which also takes into account wind speed and cloud cover. Your fitness level It is true that people who are in better cardiovascular shape tend to be able to withstand exercise in the heat better than those who are just starting out, Dr. Gardner says, but that, too, only goes so far. 'You can have someone who is very fit at running on the treadmill in air conditioning at the gym, and she does the same workout, or even less, in a very different temperature or with different humidity conditions, and that same person can be at risk for heat illness,' she says. 'Your body is used to handling that physiologic muscle stress, but you haven't had to incorporate the thermo-regulatory effect in the same way.' In other words, the system that works at cooling you down when you expend energy may not be as 'in shape' as your heart and lungs and muscles. Your age Children and people 65 or older are at greater risk for heat illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your overall health 'People who have an underlying medical condition or a current illness, their bodies are not as equipped to handle more stress in general,' says Dr. Gardner. Day-to-day factors These include how tired you are, whether you're stressed out, if you've eaten well and have taken in enough water in the last 24 hours or whether you had too much alcohol to drink last night. 'We all can feel different on a daily basis, so the things that affect how you wake up feeling in the morning can really affect your body's physiology,' says Dr. Gardner. 'You are in your same human body, in the same physical shape from day to day, but that doesn't mean your body is able to respond to the stress brought on by the heat equivalently day to day.'Follow these steps to stay safe in the heat: Trust your body. 'If you go outside, and it just feels borderline uncomfortable, you should say 'I'm just going to do a light workout' or go indoors,' says Sassos. Think about your body's ability to handle stress that day. Things like if you're tired, under the weather, didn't sleep well or are a little hungover all affect how well your body will handle the heat that particular day. 'You want to leave a little in the tank to live to fight another day — there's always tomorrow,' she says. 'That's not to say you should trade your sprint workout in 100° weather for sitting on the couch, but there are lots of other ways to get the benefits of working out.' Think: Indoor cardio, Crossfit or yoga (not the hot kind) or go for a swim. Work out early in the morning or in the evening. This is when it tends to be cooler. 'Avoid the middle of the day,' says Sassos. Wear wicking clothes. Lightweight performance clothes designed for sports in hot weather are key, along with a hat, shades and sun protection. 'Don't go in your old college t-shirt, which has zero wicking capacity,' says Sassos. But be aware: 'Not all fabrics that claim to be moisture wicking actually are,' says Lexie Sachs, the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab executive director. 'My trick is to take a drop of water and place it on the inside of the fabric — the part that touches your skin. You should see that drop spread out wide quickly. If it beads up or doesn't spread, then it won't manage your sweat well.' Hydrate before, during and after your workout. 'Obviously, after is crucial, but try to bring a bottle with you,' says Sassos. If it's super hot, or you're exercising for more than an hour, sip an electrolyte drink. Don't push it. 'In high heat, try taking it a little easier, really gauging how your body feels and being okay with turning back a little sooner,' says Dr. Gardner. Know the signs of heat illness. If you don't feel right, stop and get someplace where you can rest, hydrate and cool down, says Sassos. The warning signs of heat exhaustion include the following, according to the : Heavy sweating Paleness Muscle cramps Tiredness Weakness Dizziness Headache Nausea or vomiting Fainting Untreated heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which can lead to permanent disability or death if not treated quickly. If you see someone with these signs, call 911 and move the person to a shady area and try to bring their temperature down as quickly as are some of the warning signs of heat stroke: A body temperature above 103°F Red, hot, and dry skin that isn't sweating A Rapid, strong pulse Throbbing headache Dizziness Nausea Confusion Unconsciousness Bottom line Heat illness is no joke, so pay attention to your body and be open to working out indoors if need be. You Might Also Like 67 Best Gifts for Women That'll Make Her Smile The Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper
Miami Herald
02-07-2025
- Climate
- Miami Herald
Map Shows Where Natural Disasters Threaten US Homeowners
Homeowners in Louisiana are expected to face the highest financial losses from severe weather and natural hazards in the entire nation in an average year, according to a new study by Insurify, at an estimated annual loss of $547 per person. That is over $100 more than the projected annual cost faced by the second-most at-risk homeowners in the country, Floridians, who are expected to shoulder a yearly loss of $416 in 2025. It is a grim prospect for the two states navigating a hurricane season that forecasters say is very likely to be above average, potentially delivering 13-19 storms, six to 10 hurricanes, and three to five major hurricanes. Louisiana is the state where homeowners stand to lose the most from natural disasters, based on financial losses per capita. The state, which faces threats of flooding, tornadoes, and hurricanes, has expected annual losses of $2.5 billion each year, according to Insurify's analysis, which translates to $547 per resident-the highest rate in the country. The state has been hit by eight hurricanes, the most financially costly type of natural disaster, since the beginning of 2020, according to data from the National Centers for Environmental Information. Hurricanes account for $1.4 billion of the state's expected annual losses in an average year, according to Insurify, followed by river flooding, at $691 million. That includes approximately $99 million in expected losses from river flooding in Lafayette County alone. Louisiana was followed in the list of the top 10 states with the highest annual cost of natural disasters per person by Florida ($413), South Carolina ($413), South Dakota ($389), California ($385), North Dakota ($356), Oregon ($337), Mississippi ($325), Texas ($277) and Washington ($277). Florida faces a 35 percent chance of being hit by a major hurricane this year, according to Insurify, which means that homeowners should brace themselves for storm wind-related damage and flooding, which is not included in the standard home insurance policy. South Carolina, the state where homeowners face the third-highest financial losses from extreme weather in the country, is also vulnerable to hurricanes. Last September, Hurricane Helene caused a total of $1.2 billion in insured losses in South Carolina, making the storm the costliest weather-related disaster in the state since Hugo hit in 1989, according to the South Carolina State Climatology Office. When examining total financial losses, the list of the top 10 states with the highest annual expenses differs slightly. California tops the list with a projected total yearly loss of over $15 billion, followed by Florida and Texas, with losses exceeding $8 billion each, Louisiana with $2.5 billion, and North Carolina with $2.3 billion. The report's findings also indicate that homeowners in Louisiana and Florida, who have faced a significant surge in home insurance premiums over the past few years, may experience new hikes and increased instability in the aftermath of potentially devastating extreme weather events. The two hurricane-prone states already have the highest home insurance premiums in the country, according to Insurify, with Florida homeowners paying an average of $14,140 per year and Louisiana homeowners paying an average of $10,964 per year. "Extreme weather is the main factor driving up home insurance costs," said Mallory Mooney, director of sales and service at Insurify, in the report. "That includes both recurring weather events like hail or high winds, and individual disasters like hurricanes or wildfires." "Past years show that a particularly damaging hurricane season can lead to higher premiums," Julia Taliesin of Insurify told Newsweek. The company projects that typical home insurance costs will rise by approximately 8 percent this year, with larger increases in hurricane-prone states such as Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. "Tariffs could also increase costs to rebuild a home, which would raise insurance costs," Talieson said. Related Articles Californians Are Being Forced To Live In Toxic HomesMillions of US Homeowners Issued Insurance WarningTexas Home Insurance Warning IssuedJuly 2025 Mega Tsunami Predicted In Japanese Manga: What To Know 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
02-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Map Shows Where Natural Disasters Threaten US Homeowners
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Homeowners in Louisiana are expected to face the highest financial losses from severe weather and natural hazards in the entire nation in an average year, according to a new study by Insurify, at an estimated annual loss of $547 per person. That is over $100 more than the projected annual cost faced by the second-most at-risk homeowners in the country, Floridians, who are expected to shoulder a yearly loss of $416 in 2025. It is a grim prospect for the two states navigating a hurricane season that forecasters say is very likely to be above average, potentially delivering 13-19 storms, six to 10 hurricanes, and three to five major hurricanes. Where Homeowners Stand to Lose the Most Louisiana is the state where homeowners stand to lose the most from natural disasters, based on financial losses per capita. The state, which faces threats of flooding, tornadoes, and hurricanes, has expected annual losses of $2.5 billion each year, according to Insurify's analysis, which translates to $547 per resident—the highest rate in the country. The state has been hit by eight hurricanes, the most financially costly type of natural disaster, since the beginning of 2020, according to data from the National Centers for Environmental Information. Hurricanes account for $1.4 billion of the state's expected annual losses in an average year, according to Insurify, followed by river flooding, at $691 million. That includes approximately $99 million in expected losses from river flooding in Lafayette County alone. Louisiana was followed in the list of the top 10 states with the highest annual cost of natural disasters per person by Florida ($413), South Carolina ($413), South Dakota ($389), California ($385), North Dakota ($356), Oregon ($337), Mississippi ($325), Texas ($277) and Washington ($277). Florida faces a 35 percent chance of being hit by a major hurricane this year, according to Insurify, which means that homeowners should brace themselves for storm wind-related damage and flooding, which is not included in the standard home insurance policy. South Carolina, the state where homeowners face the third-highest financial losses from extreme weather in the country, is also vulnerable to hurricanes. Last September, Hurricane Helene caused a total of $1.2 billion in insured losses in South Carolina, making the storm the costliest weather-related disaster in the state since Hugo hit in 1989, according to the South Carolina State Climatology Office. When examining total financial losses, the list of the top 10 states with the highest annual expenses differs slightly. California tops the list with a projected total yearly loss of over $15 billion, followed by Florida and Texas, with losses exceeding $8 billion each, Louisiana with $2.5 billion, and North Carolina with $2.3 billion. The Threat Of Rising Premiums The report's findings also indicate that homeowners in Louisiana and Florida, who have faced a significant surge in home insurance premiums over the past few years, may experience new hikes and increased instability in the aftermath of potentially devastating extreme weather events. The two hurricane-prone states already have the highest home insurance premiums in the country, according to Insurify, with Florida homeowners paying an average of $14,140 per year and Louisiana homeowners paying an average of $10,964 per year. "Extreme weather is the main factor driving up home insurance costs," said Mallory Mooney, director of sales and service at Insurify, in the report. "That includes both recurring weather events like hail or high winds, and individual disasters like hurricanes or wildfires." "Past years show that a particularly damaging hurricane season can lead to higher premiums," Julia Taliesin of Insurify told Newsweek. The company projects that typical home insurance costs will rise by approximately 8 percent this year, with larger increases in hurricane-prone states such as Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. "Tariffs could also increase costs to rebuild a home, which would raise insurance costs," Talieson said.
Axios
30-06-2025
- General
- Axios
12 years later: Remembering the Granite Mountain Hotshots
Twelve years ago, 19 wildland firefighters perished while battling the Yarnell Hill Fire outside of Prescott in northern Arizona. The big picture: It was the largest loss of life among U.S. firefighters since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The blaze consumed 8,300 acres and destroyed nearly 130 structures in and around Yarnell, a small town with a population of about 700 people. More than a decade later, much of the burn scar has healed, homes have been rebuilt and memorials erected to honor the fallen firefighters — but the tragedy remains a cornerstone of Yarnell's identity and a reminder of the community's resilience. Catch up quick: A lightning strike ignited the fire in the drought-stricken terrain on June 28, 2013. On June 30, a dramatic and unexpected wind shift sent the flames roaring south at a pace three times faster than had previously been recorded, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. All but one of the 20 Granite Mountain Hotshots — a wildfire crew within the Prescott Fire Department — were cut off from their escape routes and engulfed by the fire. The intrigue: Despite the significant loss of life and property, FEMA denied Arizona's request for a major disaster declaration, which would have opened federal funding for property owners with damage or destruction. FEMA said "the damage was not of such severity and magnitude as to be beyond the combined capabilities of the state, affected local governments and voluntary agencies." Between the lines: The state and local governments provided some assistance, but the bulk of the recovery fell largely on the shoulders of the private sector and individual donors. Private donations covered the rebuilding of the 30 uninsured homes destroyed by the fire. The 100 Club of Arizona raised $4.6 million that was distributed to the families of the deceased firefighters, The Arizona Republic reported. Other charitable organizations, including the Arizona Community Foundation and Yavapai County Community Foundation, provided much of the immediate financial support for the town's recovery. 💭 Our thought bubble: The Arizona community showed the very best version of itself in the weeks and months after the Yarnell Hill Fire. From neighbors opening their homes to those who'd lost everything to strangers opening their pocketbooks to help a small town many Arizonans had never heard of before the fire — the entire state rallied to ease the community's pain. The bottom line: The Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew Learning and Tribute Center opened in Prescott in 2018. It has exhibits honoring the Yarnell 19, including a display of some of the items left at memorials for the hotshots in the weeks following their deaths, and hosts educational workshops to help homeowners prevent wildfire risks.
Miami Herald
23-06-2025
- Climate
- Miami Herald
See the most extreme temperatures in Florida history
On July 9, 2021, California's Death Valley reached 130 degrees Fahrenheit, according to an automated measuring system there, representing one of the highest temperatures ever recorded on the planet. The world record, also recorded at Death Valley, was 134 degrees in July 1913. More than 210 degrees Fahrenheit separates the highest and the lowest temperatures on record in the United States, the third-largest country in the world. As some states are infamous for having blistering hot summers, others become inundated by winter storms and frigid cold. The contiguous U.S. had its warmest meteorological summer (June-Aug.) on record in 2021, according to NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information. Stacker consulted data from the NOAA's State Climate Extremes Committee (SCEC) to illustrate the hottest and coldest temperatures ever recorded in Florida. Florida records- All-time highest temperature: 109° F (Monticello on June 29, 1931)- All-time lowest temperature: -2° F (Tallahassee on Feb. 13, 1899)- All-time highest 24-hour precipitation: 23.28 inches (Key West on Nov. 11, 1980)- All-time highest 24-hour snowfall: 4.0 inches (Milton Exp. Stn. on March 6, 1954) States with the highest maximum temperature#1. California: 134° F (Greenland Ranch on July 10, 1913)#2. Arizona: 128° F (Lake Havasu City on June 29, 1994)#3. Nevada: 125° F (Laughlin on June 29, 1994)#4. New Mexico: 122° F (Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (nr. Loving) on June 27, 1994)#5. Kansas: 121° F (Alton on July 24, 1936) States with the lowest minimum temperature#1. Alaska: -80° F (Prospect Creek Camp on Jan. 23, 1971)#2. Montana: -70° F (Rogers Pass on Jan. 20, 1954)#3. Wyoming: -66° F (Riverside Ranger Stn. (Yellowstone NP) on Feb. 9, 1933)#4. Colorado: -61° F (Maybell on Feb. 1, 1985)#5. Idaho: -60° F (Island Park Dam on Jan. 18, 1943) © Stacker Media, LLC.
