國內外研究顯示極端高溫及其連續數日事件顯著增加健康風險，本研究彙整2004-2012年間關鍵字為氣象、事件、高溫、預警及死亡等之國際主要文獻與報告，統整各國高溫預警準則及預警系統之架構，以作為本國未來相關系統建置之參考依據。都會區是氣象-健康預警系統之基本空間單位。建立預警系統前，需先了解溫度與敏感族群健康之相關性。目前熱預警系統定義之高敏感性族群以糖尿病、無行為能力者、藥癮酒癮者、腎臟疾病及腦血管、心肺疾病等慢性病病患為主。熱預警計畫由政府衛生單位、氣象單位及專家學者共同界定地區氣象預警項目及規範，氣象單位負責氣象預報並發布預警工作，衛生單位則負責熱應變計畫工作（如：建議敏感性族群提升個人主動防護及行為措施）及風險溝通工作。各地區採用之溫度指標及應變項目略有不同，宜因地制宜。研究證實熱預警系統建置可有效降低熱相關死亡及就醫。因此，在全球暖化趨勢下，我們應即早規劃適用本國之高溫預警應變系統。

Many studies have associated episodes of extremely high temperature and prolonged heat waves with increased risks in terms of mortality and morbidity. This study investigated the various health warning systems regarding heat waves that had been proposed by Western countries and reviewed worldwide publications and reports available from 2004 to 2012. Temperature-health associations should be identified before establishing a heat wave warning system. Patients with diabetes mellitus, renal diseases, disabilities, and chronic cardiopulmonary diseases are highly vulnerable to extremely high temperatures. A national weather system is expected to disseminate the heat warning accurately and in a timely fashion. The regional health authority is the lead agency responsible for public health responses to heat and the communication of risks to the public. Application of the temperature index and responses to heat wave warnings vary among areas depending on weather conditions and socio-demographic status. Based on our evaluation, a heat wave warning system would be expected to significantly reduce the impact on health from extremely high temperatures. Studies of temperature-health associations and heat wave warning systems should be established in Taiwan to mitigate the impact of global warming.