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.

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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.

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To remain safe during heat waves, see Hot Weather Tips

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Weather: Weather comprises all the various phenomena that occur in the atmosphere of a planet. "Weather" is normally taken to mean the activity of these phenomena over a period of a few days. The average weather over a longer period is known as the climate. This aspect of the weather is studied with great in...

Humidity: Humidity is the concentration of water vapor in the air. The concentration can be expressed as absolute humidity, specific humidity, or relative humidity....

Hyperthermia: Hyperthermia, also known as heat stroke or sunstroke, is an acute condition resulting from the body producing or absorbing more heat than it can dissipate, usually due to excessive exposure to heat. The homeothermal regulatory mechanisms eventually become overwhelmed and unable to effectively deal w...

Heat wave related Images and Photos (experimental)

Heat Wave (Hardcover)	Havin' a Heat Wave	Marilyn Monroe Heat Wave Framed Gold Record	Cal Tjader and Carmen McRae - Heat Wave
A Bumble Bee Hovers Over a Poppy Flower During a Summer Heat Wave in Santok Poland June 27 2006	Heat	Heat (DVD)	Heat (DVD) (DCON)
Purpose: Wave	Integrity: Wave	Wave I	Heat (Blu-Ray)