heat_exposure_table_8.25.23.docx (14.9 KB)

I found some additional resources on the heat index and WGBT. This experimental map from the National Weather Service shows forecasts for temperature, heat index and wind chill (listed as apparent temperature), and WGBT for the next six days. https://digital.mdl.nws.noaa.gov/ Since this is an experimental product, there may be a small delay in how quickly it is updated compared to more established operational products. The WGBT itself is still regarded as an experimental measurement. I don’t know when these designations may change, but I’m interested to hear what the group thinks about using products that are labeled as experimental. NWS experimental products are ones where the agency is still reviewing the product internally and/or soliciting public feedback, and the product may be changed or discontinued depending on the feedback. They are not intended for critical decision-making. For more context on WBGT, you may be interested in this article by a former president of the American Meteorological Society: Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Is Great For Heat Warnings - Why Don't We Use It? (forbes.com).

For heat index measure I’d add a Con: Like temperature, measured in the shade, so does not consider sunlight. I’ve found an alternative for a historical heat index data. The CDC’s Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) Data Explorer has heat index data from 1979-2021 for counties. https://ephtracking.cdc.gov/DataExplorer/ The site can be tricky to navigate. This measure uses the same satellite-based dataset as the WONDER site, but the data are more up to date. The National Weather Service also makes it possible to view hourly measurements of heat index for the last three days.

For WGBT, the Pro could be extended to say “Measure has multiple components to better reflect working conditions.” I don’t understand why we would list historical data, the 26 hour limit on forecast, or NWS designated weather zones in the timescale and smallest geographic unit available columns. Like temperature and heat index, it can be forecasted. While temperature and heat index are only officially measured at specific stations, they can be forecasted for any point.

Thanks for this feedback, Robert! It's very helpful. I'm updating the table now with your suggestions. For the smallest geographic unit available for temperature and heat index, I amended it to say, "Measured at local weather stations, forecasted for any point" 

I had a follow-up question regarding the WBGT row. I've removed the timescale and smallest geographic unit available text based on your feedback. How would you suggest updating the wording for those two columns? 

Let's chat about the NWS experimental product at the next meeting. 

For WBGT I would say hourly and daily and do that for heat index as well. The smallest geographic area unit available is more difficult to answer. You can always the measure temperature, heat index, or WBGT (or air quality) at any location and any time if you have the right instrument available, and they can be estimated using satellite data.  But we’re talking about where people can get official data right? I don’t know of any official measured sources for WBGT, just experimental forecasts, but I don’t know why NWS zones or the 26 hour forecast were listed. I’m happy to talk about this more during the next meeting.

Yes, ideally we're hoping to provide data sources where people can download data and tie it in with surveillance. The NWS zones and 26hr forecast were pulled from the larger excel participant worksheet from the workshop. I'll upload a revised version of the table shortly. Thanks again for your feedback and quick response!

Per our discussion during the meeting on 8/29, KG can include mention of experimental NWS product in the narrative leading up to the exposure table. Can also mention the R package to download EPHT heat-index data by county. Link with additional details: https://github.com/CDCgov/EPHTrackR