Theses and Dissertations

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Gutter, Barrett F.

Committee Member

Fuhrmann, Chris M.

Committee Member

Brown, Mike E.

Committee Member

Mercer, Andrew E.

Date of Degree

5-12-2023

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Geosciences

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Geosciences

Abstract

A gap of knowledge lies within the hazard of extreme heat within the United States and the public’s response and perception of their own vulnerability. Even with constant communication from meteorologist at the National Weather Service and within the broadcast industry, there are still ongoing issues which include the possibility that ambient air temperature from fixed sites do not accurately reflect what the general population is experiencing, that the thresholds for excessive heat warnings are not appropriate, and that the most vulnerable individuals do not have the knowledge, and/or ability to protect themselves when extreme heat does occur. Assessment of the spatial pattens of heat alerts across the United States, mortality risks associated with extreme heat, and days above alert thresholds between 2010 to 2021 will be utilized to exhibit cities and regions where thresholds could be inappropriate and to reveal the most vulnerable between regions within this period.

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