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Extreme heat occurs on a regional scale; the entire planning area is equally at risk <br />as it can occur anywhere within the participating communities. <br />NOAA’s Online Weather Data (NOWData) provides temperature data ranging from <br />the year 2000 to 2016. NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) Heat Index shown <br />in Figure 2.1 indicates that temperatures meeting or exceeding 90°F are designated <br />with an “Extreme Caution” or greater warning classification. Extreme heat for the <br />planning area is considered temperatures ranging from 90°F and above. <br />According to Canyon Dam Station, the local weather data collection center with comprehensive data <br />Risk Assessment <br />within the planning area, the mean number of days with a daily max temperature equal or greater to 90°F <br />is 94 days. Currently, the greatest number of days during which the planning area experienced extreme <br />heat is 119 in 2008 while the highest temperature experienced was 109°F in August 2011 (a “Danger” <br />NWS Heat Index classification). Due to the regional nature of extreme heat occurrence, Canyon Dam <br />Station records apply equally to all participating communities. <br /> The extent of extreme heat that the planning area has experienced can be derived from the data <br />provided from NOWData at Canyon Dam Station since the year 2000. The highest daily mean temperature <br />experienced was 109°F in August 2011. This event is classified by the NWS Heat Index as “Danger”. <br />The probability of future events can be determined by assessing historical averages. Since extreme <br />heat events occur on a regional scale, all participating communities’ future probability is assumed to be <br />similar to the area surrounding Canyon Dam Station. Based on NOWData, the planning area can expect, <br />on average, approximately 94 days a year with temperatures equal or greater to 90°F, and up to 109°F, <br />a “Danger” warning classification per the NOAA NWS Heat Index. As extreme heat events have occurred <br />every year since 2000, the probability of extreme heat affecting the planning area is 100% in any given <br />year. <br />Extreme heat has physical impacts on the public and the infrastructure that supports them. According <br />to the Texas Health Care Information Collection and Trauma Registry from the Texas Department of <br />State Health Services’ Injury Epidemiology & Surveillance Branch, the following number of patients were <br />received in Hays County medical facilities for Heat Related Injuries and Trauma (shown in Tables 2.5 and <br />2.6). <br />Description20102011201220132014 <br />Accident caused by excessive heat due to <br />13500 <br />weather conditions <br />Accident due to excessive heat of <br />10000 <br />unspecified origin <br />(Texas Department of State Health Services- Injury Epidemiology & Surveillance Branch, 2017) <br />34 <br /> <br />