Cattle heat stress forecasting maps and alerts provided by USDA-ARS

Cattle heat stress forecast maps are made using 7-day forecasts of 4 weather parameters: temperature, humidity, wind speed and cloud cover from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – National Weather Service (NWS). The prediction of animal stress is based on an equation that combines weather forecast data to estimate cattle heat stress response. These maps are to be used as an estimate of general trends of stress levels over the forecast period and are also designed to forecast the anticipated peak heat stress category for each day. To access the maps, visit the Cattle Heat Stress Forecast at ars.usda.gov. To sign up for an email alert for heat stress forecasts produced as a partnership of USDA-ARS with NOAA NWS, click here. For more information on recognizing heat stress in cattle, click here.