Heat Product Criteria Change Effective May 1, 2024

Scattered Severe Thunderstorms Across the Northern Plains; Fire Weather Concerns in the Western U.S.

Scattered severe thunderstorms are forecast across central and eastern North Dakota, as well as far northwest Minnesota Saturday (Slight Risk level 2 of 5). Damaging wind gusts are the primary threat. Elevated to critical fire weather conditions will persist through the weekend across the Western U.S. Isolated dry thunderstorms could lead to new fire starts over portions of the northern Rockies. Read More >

000 NOUS42 KCAE 011830 PNSCAE GAZ040-063>065-077-SCZ016-018-020>022-025>031-035-037-038-041-115- 116-135>137-020630- Public Information Statement National Weather Service Columbia SC 230 PM EDT Mon Apr 1 2024 To: Subscribers: -NOAA Weather Wire Service -Emergency Managers Weather Information Network -NOAAPort Other NWS Partners, Users and Employees From: John Quagliariello, Warning Coordination Meteorologist NWS Weather Forecast Office Columbia, SC Subject: Heat Product Criteria Change Effective Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 12 PM EDT, the Weather Forecast Office in Columbia, SC will implement a new criteria for heat products across central South Carolina and east-central Georgia. This revised criteria was based on user feedback and heat health data from recent excessive heat episodes and will help to enhance heat related advisory and warning products. Heat Advisory ------------- Old Criteria: Heat index of 110-114 for at least 2 hours or more. New Criteria: Heat index of 108-112 for at least 2 hours or more. Excessive Heat Watch/Warning ---------------------------- Old Criteria: Heat index of 115 or higher for at least 2 hours or more. New Criteria: Heat index of 113 or higher for at least 2 hours or more. For more information, please contact: John Quagliariello Warning Coordination Meteorologist Weather Forecast Office Columbia, SC phone: 803-765-5501 ext. 223 email: John.Quagliariello@noaa.gov $$