As El Niño conditions intensify through August 2024, health systems must prioritize three critical preparedness measures. First, expect sustained above-average global temperatures that will drive record heatwaves and related health emergencies. Second, prepare for cascading impacts including increased heatwaves, droughts, and wildfire exposure affecting vulnerable populations across multiple regions. Third, implement comprehensive emergency preparedness protocols immediately, including surge capacity planning, heat-illness treatment protocols, and targeted interventions for at-risk communities. Health professionals should establish or strengthen coordination mechanisms with meteorological services to monitor real-time climate conditions and adjust resources accordingly. Proactive planning now will be essential to mitigate preventable deaths and hospitalizations during the peak heat months ahead. Organizations must act decisively to protect public health.
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