PHASES OF HEAT EMERGENCY:

• Phase 1 - Public education - the beginning of the summer

• Phase 2 - Increased Readiness - NWS issuance of  a "Heat Outlook".  The NWS Sacramento Bureau will issue a "heat outlook" as part of a "special weather statement" with the terminology "heat outlook" in the title.  It will be issued 2-7 days prior to a heat warning.  The heat outlook will mean that there are "solid indications that perilous heat conditions are possible."  This phase should be considered, as somewhat of a luxury as there is no guarantee the NWS will be able to issue a “heat outlook” prior to issuing a heat watch or warning.

• Phase 3 - NWS issuance of a "Heat  Watch".  The NWS Sacramento Bureau will issue a "heat watch" as part of the "special weather statement".  It will be issued 48 hours in advance of a heat warning.  An additional trigger for Phase 3 activation is a "special weather statement" indicating two or more consecutive days where the daytime heat index is expected to reach 110F for two or more hours OR the nighttime minimum low heat index is 75F or higher over at least 25% of the advised area.

• Phase 4 - NWS issuance of a "Heat Warning".   At least two (2) consecutive days are expected with heat indices at or above 110°F during the day and above 75°F at night over at least 25% of the warned area (for us the "Delta Influenced Inland Valleys).

• Other Phase Criteria.  There are additional activation triggers in the plan that offer the flexibility to respond based on events within the County such as increased EMS calls and Ag concerns that don't require NWS involvement.