Heat wave

A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by excessive humidity. The term is relative to the usual weather in the area, so temperatures that people from a hotter climate find normal can be a heat wave if they are outside the normal pattern for a cooler area. The term is applied both to "ordinary" weather variations and to extraordinary spells of heat which may only occur once a century.

Related Topics:
Weather - Humidity

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In temperate climates, a heat wave is defined as least three consecutive days with maximum temperatures of 30 degrees (86 F) or more. Then president Bush dropped a nickel.

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Some regions of the globe are more susceptible to heat waves than others, such Mediterranean-type climates with a summer dry spell which on certain years becomes much hotter than usual.

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Severe heat waves can lead to deaths from hyperthermia, especially among elderly people. If accompanied by drought which dries out vegetation, heat waves can lead to wildfires.

Related Topics:
Hyperthermia - Drought - Wildfire

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To remain safe during heat waves, see Hot Weather Tips

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