Core Viewpoint - The introduction of a high-temperature health risk warning system in Beijing aims to enhance public health safety by providing timely alerts based on weather and health data integration [1][3][8] Group 1: High-Temperature Health Risk Warning Mechanism - The high-temperature health risk warning will become a regular health alert mechanism in Beijing, triggered when three districts forecast high or extreme risk areas exceeding 50% [1][4] - The warning system utilizes a grid-based approach, dividing the city into 5 km x 5 km sections to assess health risks accurately at a neighborhood level [4][5] - The first warning was issued on August 5, indicating high health risks in several districts, with varying levels of risk represented by color-coded maps [1][2][8] Group 2: Integration of Meteorological and Health Data - The health risk assessment combines meteorological data with health statistics, utilizing historical data from over 2,400 weather stations across the country [5][6] - The system calculates risk thresholds based on temperature and its correlation with health outcomes, allowing for precise risk level assessments [5][6] - The collaboration between the health and meteorological departments reflects a deeper integration of climate and health data to enhance public health responses [2][3][7] Group 3: Public Health Implications - The health risk warnings are tailored to specific vulnerable groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, children, and those with chronic illnesses, providing targeted health protection advice [2][3] - The system aims to address the health impacts of climate change, particularly in regions where residents may have lower heat adaptation capabilities [7][8] - The successful implementation of the warning system indicates a growing societal demand for health meteorology services [9]

Core Viewpoint - Global climate change is increasingly impacting human health, leading to heightened health risks, as evidenced by Beijing's first high-temperature health risk warning [1][3] Group 1: Health Risk Warning - Beijing's health risk warning was jointly issued by the Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Beijing Meteorological Bureau, focusing on the health impacts of high temperatures [1] - The warning indicates that from August 5, 2025, to August 6, 2025, various districts in Beijing will experience varying levels of high-temperature health risks, with some areas classified as extremely high risk [1][2] - The health risk warning differs from regular weather forecasts as it is triggered by specific conditions rather than being issued periodically [2] Group 2: Risk Assessment and Population Impact - The health risk assessment integrates meteorological data with health data through a risk assessment model, providing a dual-factor risk grading system [1] - Different regions in Beijing exhibit significant temperature variations, affecting residents' adaptability to heat, which can lead to increased health risks even at lower temperatures [2] - The warning particularly emphasizes five vulnerable groups: outdoor workers, the elderly, pregnant women, children, and individuals with chronic diseases [3]

Core Insights - The article discusses the issuance of a high-temperature health risk warning in Beijing, which differs from traditional high-temperature warnings by focusing on the health impacts of heat rather than just temperature levels [1] - The high-temperature health risk warning is based on a combination of meteorological monitoring data and public health data, utilizing a risk assessment model to provide a more scientific approach to heat prevention [1] Group 1 - The high-temperature health risk warning is designed to be location-specific and health-oriented, allowing for a more accurate identification of the health impacts of high temperatures on local populations [1] - In some areas, even with lower temperatures, health risk levels can be high due to residents' lower heat adaptation capabilities, influenced by their living conditions and habits [1] - The warning system aims to protect public health by issuing alerts based on health risk levels rather than solely on temperature, ensuring comprehensive and precise health protection [1] Group 2 - With advancements in technology, human adaptability to high temperatures is gradually improving, prompting health and meteorological departments to continuously assess health big data and meteorological data for timely updates to existing warning models [2]

Core Points - Beijing's Disease Control and Prevention Center and Meteorological Bureau issued a high-temperature health risk warning for the first time, indicating extremely high health risks in specific areas [1] - The warning predicts high health risks from August 5, 20:00 to August 6, 20:00 in various districts, with specific areas like central Yanqing, central Huairou, and southern Fangshan facing extremely high risks [1] Group 1 - The warning suggests that individuals in extremely high-risk areas should maintain a cool indoor environment, use cooling devices, and limit outdoor activities during high-temperature periods [1] - Recommendations include wearing light, loose, and light-colored clothing, using sun protection, and staying hydrated by drinking water regularly [1] - In case of symptoms like dizziness or excessive sweating, individuals are advised to use physical cooling methods and seek medical help if symptoms worsen [1] Group 2 - Vulnerable groups such as the elderly and pregnant women are advised to avoid going outside and to stay in contact with family and community [2] - Children should also avoid outdoor activities and stay hydrated, with medical attention sought if they experience discomfort [2] - Outdoor workers are encouraged to plan their work schedules wisely, stay hydrated, and use protective measures against heat [2]

Core Points - The increasing trend of elderly people seeking refuge in air-conditioned commercial spaces during extreme heat highlights a growing public health concern [1][2][3] - The establishment of a national heat health risk warning system indicates a shift in focus from meteorological issues to public health implications [3][4] - The aging population in China is projected to exceed 30% by 2035, exacerbating the risks associated with extreme heat [3][4] Group 1: Impact of Extreme Heat on the Elderly - In 2023, several regions in China experienced temperatures exceeding 40°C, leading to a surge in heat-related illnesses among the elderly [3][4] - The number of elderly individuals affected by heatwaves in China has increased significantly, from 11.96 million in 2001 to 30.31 million in 2020, with projections of an additional 1.12 million each year [4][5] - Research indicates that the elderly population is particularly vulnerable to heat-related deaths, with 54.5% of heat-related mortality occurring in those aged 75 and above [4][6] Group 2: Vulnerabilities and Risks - Many elderly individuals lack access to air conditioning and live in poorly insulated homes, increasing their risk during heatwaves [5][6] - The rise in solitary living among the elderly, with 54% of elderly individuals living alone, further compounds their vulnerability to extreme heat [5][6] - Studies show that heat-related deaths are most prevalent among elderly individuals who are sick, live alone, and lack social support [6][7] Group 3: Public Health Response and Recommendations - There is a need for comprehensive "age-friendly" cooling systems, including government initiatives to create air-conditioned public spaces for the elderly [8][9] - Community health initiatives should focus on identifying high-risk elderly individuals and providing regular check-ins during heatwaves [8][9] - Effective communication strategies are essential to ensure that heat health warnings reach vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly [9][10]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the reasons why people feel hotter than the temperature reported by meteorological agencies, particularly during the ongoing high-temperature weather in China. It highlights the differences between measured temperatures and perceived temperatures due to various environmental factors. Group 1: Temperature Measurement and Perception - Meteorological temperature is measured in a standardized environment, specifically in a Stevenson screen located 1.5 meters above grass, which may not reflect ground-level temperatures in urban areas [3] - Urban surfaces like concrete and asphalt can be 4 to 5 degrees Celsius hotter than the temperature recorded in the Stevenson screen due to direct sunlight and heat absorption [3] - Perceived temperature, or "feels-like" temperature, is influenced by multiple factors including air pressure, wind, and humidity, making it subjective and variable among individuals [3] Group 2: Weather Patterns and Conditions - This year, the subtropical high pressure has moved northward earlier and has a larger influence, leading to significant moisture transport and higher humidity levels, resulting in a "sauna-like" environment in cities like Beijing [4] - The ongoing high-temperature weather is characterized by a long duration and wide impact, particularly in southern regions where humidity is notably high [5] Group 3: Public Health and Safety Recommendations - Experts advise the public to minimize outdoor activities during high temperatures and for those working outdoors to take necessary protective measures [5] - A national-level heat health risk warning system has been established, categorizing risks into five levels, allowing the public to take appropriate actions such as staying cool indoors and ensuring adequate hydration [5]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the discrepancies between forecasted temperatures and perceived temperatures during high heat events, emphasizing the role of humidity and individual factors in shaping personal comfort levels [1][2]. Group 1: Weather Forecasting - The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) predicts sustained high temperatures in various regions, including southern Hebei, Huanghuai, Jianghan, Jianghuai, northern Jiangnan, Guanzhong in Shaanxi, and the Sichuan Basin [1]. - Meteorologists are held accountable for their forecasts, as inaccurate predictions can affect their scoring, motivating them to improve accuracy [1]. - The temperature reported by meteorological departments is measured using standardized equipment, which may not reflect the higher temperatures experienced on surfaces like concrete or asphalt [1]. Group 2: Perceived Temperature - The difference between forecasted temperatures and personal comfort is attributed to various environmental factors, including humidity, air pressure, and wind [2]. - High humidity can significantly affect perceived temperature, with discomfort felt at around 33°C and 80% humidity [2]. - Individual differences, such as body type, clothing, activity level, and even mood, can influence how temperature is perceived [2]. Group 3: Health Risks and Warnings - The CMA and the National Health Commission have issued a national-level heat health risk warning system, categorizing risks into five levels based on health impacts related to high temperatures [2]. - Public recommendations include maintaining cool indoor environments, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat, and ensuring adequate hydration to mitigate health risks associated with high temperatures [2].

Group 1 - The article discusses the ongoing high-temperature weather across various regions in China, with predictions of temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius in several areas, and some regions reaching up to 39 to 42 degrees Celsius [1][3] - The Central Meteorological Administration issued an orange alert for high temperatures on July 14, indicating the severity of the heatwave [1] - The article highlights the differences between forecasted temperatures and actual perceived temperatures due to environmental factors, such as urban heat islands and humidity levels [2][3] Group 2 - The article explains that the subtropical high pressure has moved northward earlier this year, contributing to the prolonged high-temperature conditions and increased humidity in central and eastern China [3] - A national-level health risk warning related to high temperatures has been issued, categorizing risks into five levels, allowing the public to take appropriate measures to mitigate health impacts [3]

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of the first national-level high-temperature health risk warning system by the National Disease Control and Prevention Bureau and the China Meteorological Administration aims to effectively address health risks associated with climate change through an integrated early warning mechanism [1][2]. Group 1: High-Temperature Health Risk Warning System - The high-temperature health risk warning system is categorized into five risk levels: low risk, moderate risk, high risk, very high risk, and extreme risk, with the latter three levels being publicly communicated [1]. - The classification standard is based on the analysis of excess mortality rates related to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in response to high temperatures [1][2]. Group 2: Regional Risk Assessment - The high-temperature health risk warning is oriented towards population health risks and utilizes relative temperature threshold methods to calculate risk thresholds for different regions, enhancing the precision of health risk identification in atypical high-temperature areas [2]. - The system incorporates historical observation data from 2,400 meteorological stations over the past decade to create a national grid with a resolution of 5 kilometers for risk assessment [2]. Group 3: Future Developments - Starting from May 2024, a specialized technical team will be formed to promote the integration of health and meteorological technologies, transitioning health meteorological risk warnings to a more quantitative and precise approach [2]. - The meteorological department plans to utilize the "Tianhe" system to disseminate warning information through multiple channels, including the national warning release system and social media, to enhance public awareness and response to high-temperature health risks [2].

Group 1 - The strongest heatwave of the year is impacting China, prompting various local measures such as cooling stations and technological cooling solutions to ensure the well-being of the public [2] - The All-China Federation of Trade Unions has allocated nearly 40 million yuan to support "cooling" activities for outdoor workers, aiming to protect their health during high-temperature operations [2] - The ongoing high temperatures pose significant challenges to production and daily life, with smart agriculture providing solutions to protect crops from heat [4] Group 2 - A national-level health risk warning for high temperatures has been jointly issued by the National Health Commission and the China Meteorological Administration, highlighting multiple health risks associated with heatwaves [6] - A health risk forecasting model has been developed to guide the public on how to respond to heat-related health risks, including staying indoors, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat, and ensuring adequate hydration [9] - Experts warn that prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to serious health issues such as heatstroke, advising individuals to monitor their health and seek medical attention if symptoms arise [9]