Improving public understanding of heat terminology : Findings and recommendations for the National Weather Service

Extreme heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States. The National Weather Service (NWS) plays a central role in translating meteorological conditions into public-facing products such as Heat Advisories, Extreme Heat Warnings, Heat Index values, and the HeatRisk tool. However, the effectiveness of these products depends not only on scientific accuracy, but on how the public interprets and acts on the language used. This project examined how people across the continental United States (CONUS) understand NWS extreme heat terminology and where opportunities exist to strengthen clarity, consistency, and actionability in heat communication.