In an effort to help people stay safe during heat waves, Google is introducing new extreme heat alerts in Search. The new feature will roll out in the coming months and provide users with critical information to stay cool and healthy.
What to Expect from the New Heat Alerts
When users search for information on extreme heat, they will now see a prominent alert that includes:
- Timing: Information about when a heat wave is expected to begin and end
- Tips for Staying Cool: Practical advice on how to stay cool during a heat wave
- Health Concerns: Warnings about related health concerns users should be aware of
This information will be displayed prominently in Search results, making it easy for users to access the information they need.
Partnership with Global Heat Health Information Network
Google has partnered with the Global Heat Health Information Network to ensure that the information surfaced in the alerts is accurate and reliable. This partnership demonstrates Google’s commitment to providing users with trustworthy information when they need it most.
"We’ll be launching a new feature to raise awareness about extreme heat to keep people safe, cool, and healthy," said Hema Budaraju, Google’s senior director of product for health and search. "Soon, you will see dedicated features highlighting relevant news, recommended actions, and local information during a severe heat wave."
Heat Alerts: A New Feature in the Same Vein as Wildfire and Earthquake Alerts
Google has been displaying alerts for things like wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes, and more for several years. The introduction of heat alerts is another way Google is updating Search to provide users with timely, authoritative, and actionable information when they need it most.
Tree Canopy: A Tool for Urban Forestry Initiatives
Google has also announced that its Tree Canopy tool has expanded from 14 cities to nearly 350 cities globally. The tool combines AI and aerial imagery to help cities understand their current tree coverage and plan urban forestry initiatives more effectively.
Cities like Atlanta, Baltimore, Buenos Aires, Lisbon, Mexico City, Paris, Sydney, and Toronto are among the latest to join the Tree Canopy platform. Google plans to expand the tool to thousands of additional cities this year.
Google’s Commitment to Accuracy and Transparency
Today’s announcement comes on the heels of Google’s introduction of new features to help users verify information in Search. The company is launching "Perspectives" and "About this author," while expanding some of its current tools, including "About this result."
Making Affordable Healthcare More Accessible
Two weeks ago, Google announced that it was making it easier for people to find affordable healthcare centers near them in Search. If a medical clinic offers affordable care, users will soon see a label that reads "Free or low-cost care" under its name in search results.
Google’s Ongoing Efforts to Improve Search
The introduction of heat alerts and the expansion of Tree Canopy are just the latest examples of Google’s commitment to improving Search. By providing users with timely, authoritative, and actionable information, Google is helping people navigate complex issues like climate change, healthcare, and more.
As Google continues to update Search, one thing is clear: the company is dedicated to making it easier for people to find the information they need when they need it most.
