As summer edges closer and Colorado gears up for warmer days, the National Weather Service (NWS) is rolling out a major update to how it warns us about extreme heat. As of March 4, 2025, the terms we’ve known for years—Excessive Heat Watch and Excessive Heat Warning—have been officially retired. In their place? Extreme Heat Watch and Extreme Heat Warning.
Why the Change?
Let’s face it—weather alerts can sometimes sound confusing. What’s the difference between “excessive” and “extreme” anyway? To cut through the noise, the NWS has updated its heat alert language to make things simpler, clearer, and easier to act on.
These changes are part of the Hazard Simplification Project, a years-long initiative aimed at making weather alerts more understandable for everyone. From farmers on the Eastern Plains to weekend hikers heading into the foothills, clearer messaging means quicker decisions and better safety.
A Hotter Reality
This update couldn’t come at a more critical time. According to NOAA, the contiguous U.S. had its hottest year on record last year, with heatwaves becoming not only more frequent—but more dangerous. And while Colorado is known for its cool mountain escapes, we’re no strangers to blistering heat on the Front Range, especially during the peak of summer.
Extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s deadly. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention when the NWS issues these newly renamed alerts.
What the New Alerts Mean
- Extreme Heat Watch
Think of this as an early heads-up. Conditions are expected to become dangerously hot within the next few days. It’s your cue to start planning—adjust outdoor activities, check on vulnerable neighbors, and make sure your AC or swamp cooler is ready to go. - Extreme Heat Warning
This is when it’s go-time. Dangerous heat is either happening now or about to start. These warnings signal life-threatening conditions, especially for the elderly, young children, outdoor workers, and anyone without access to cooling.
More Than Just a Name Change
This isn’t the first time the NWS has reworked its alerts. Similar updates were recently made to cold weather messaging, all to ensure clearer communication and better public response.
Whether you’re a parent figuring out summer camp plans, or just someone trying to beat the heat with a hike in Boulder, these updates are designed to keep you informed and safe.
Stay Ready, Colorado
Want to stay ahead of the summer heat? Bookmark the NWS’s Weather Safety for All Hazards page for updated tips and preparedness resources. And make sure you’ve got alerts turned on in your favorite weather app.
Because when the next Extreme Heat Warning lights up your phone, you’ll know exactly what it means—and what to do next.