Combating Extreme Heat’s Rising Health Risks Relies on Community-Level Action

While tornadoes and hurricanes inflict immediate and visible damage, extreme heat presents a more insidious threat. Its danger isn’t immediately apparent, and its effects accumulate gradually. Unlike a sudden storm, the risks of heat exposure build up over time, making it a subtle but potent hazard.

Protecting communities from extreme heat is an increasingly urgent challenge. Research into weather forecasting and hazard mitigation reveals that climate change exacerbates heat events, particularly in regions with limited experience or preparedness. The 2021 Pacific Northwest heat wave, which resulted in hundreds of deaths, underscores this vulnerability.

Meteorological science has advanced significantly in forecasting high temperatures. However, society lags in translating these predictions into effective safety measures. Experts across various fields emphasize that accurate forecasts are merely the first step. While addressing carbon emissions is crucial for mitigating climate change, simpler, localized interventions can also significantly reduce heat-related risks.

A project in Hunting Park, Philadelphia, exemplifies such local action. Sidewalk planters with built-in benches and sun-blocking umbrellas, termed “heat respite areas,” offer shade to residents in this urban heat island, which has significantly less tree cover compared to wealthier neighborhoods.

These planter/benches aim to provide shade in a neighborhood lacking trees. The project’s creation highlights the importance of community involvement in combating heat. Initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic when cooling centers were closed, a Drexel University professor sought shade-based solutions.

The project involved Drexel, city officials, community organizations, and residents in a participatory design process. This collaborative approach ensured the planters met the community’s needs. Starting with the goal of increasing shade, the project evolved, resulting in the current planters.

Beyond providing shade, the project spurred community engagement. Surveys and discussions raised awareness about heat risks. Local workers were hired to build the planters, further connecting the project to the community and sparking conversations. The planters became a visible symbol, prompting even more discussion and focusing residents on the dangers of extreme heat.

Priscilla Johnson, a long-time Hunting Park resident, hosted a planter/bench in front of her home. She observed that people avoided going outside during hot weather before the planters arrived. The planters encouraged her and others to spend more time outdoors. Neighbors admired the planters and inquired about them, leading to conversations about the importance of heat safety.

Johnson’s awareness of heat dangers increased through the project, making her more conscious of Hunting Park’s status as a heat island. She realized the need for greater education about heat risks, noting that her doctor hadn’t discussed the issue extensively. She believes that raising public awareness is crucial.

With summer approaching, forecasts predict above-average heat in many U.S. regions. As forecasting improves, so does our ability to anticipate extreme heat events. However, translating these forecasts into positive outcomes requires proactive measures, such as providing shade in vulnerable neighborhoods.

This is an edited excerpt from Weber’s new book, CLOUD WARRIORS: Deadly Storms, Climate Chaos—and the Pioneers Creating a Revolution in Weather Forecasting. Copyright © 2025 by the author and reprinted by permission of St. Martin’s Publishing Group.

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