The number of heat stress illnesses is closely related to the number of very hot days, but community organizations, health officials, and transportation authorities can work together to prevent an increase in heat stress illnesses even if the number and severity of hot days increases.

This indicator measures the number of Chittenden County residents who visit an emergency department during May-September of each year because of heat stress illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or heat cramps. This indicator includes the number of hot days (defined as the number of days 90 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer as measured by the weather station at the Burlington International Airport). As a comparison, Click the Toggle Comparison button to view data on the number of hot days in Vermont.

As our climate changes, we may experience more days with high maximum temperatures. Heat waves can cause death and serious illness and can pose a burden for emergency responders. Heat stress hospital visits are one way to measure the health impact of a changing climate. Communities with tree cover, heat alert communication plans, and access to public cooling sites such as pools, beaches, schools, and libraries, have fewer health emergencies during heat events.

Vermont Department of Health

Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Environmental Public Health Tracking Program

National Weather Service