NATURAL DISASTERS

WHAT ARE HEAT WAVES?

A heat wave is a period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity, especially in oceanic climate countries. While definitions vary, a heat wave is measured relative to the usual weather in the area and relative to normal temperatures for the season. Temperatures that people from a hotter climate consider normal can be termed a heat wave in a cooler area if they are outside the normal climate pattern for that area.

A relentless heat wave in India has now claimed more than 2,300 lives.Roads in India are melting because of the heat and
days-upon-days of temperatures near 120 degrees now marks the fifth deadliest heat wave in Earth's recorded history, according to Weather Underground director of meteorology Jeff Masters.

HOW DO HEAT WAVES OCCUR?

When a ridge of high pressure occurs, the atmosphere inflates at both its lower and upper levels. This inflation prevents other weather systems from moving into the area, and keeps the sky free of clouds. The effects of compression warm and dry the air that sinks down from the upper atmosphere, and the unclouded sunshine ensures that the mass of warm air maintains its heat level. A lack of winds in the upper atmosphere means that it can take a long time for the heat wave to dissipate.

WHERE DO HEAT WAVES OCCUR?
Heat waves mostly occur close to the equator. Heat waves can occur in almost any country around the world, including the United States, Denmark, Russia, Australia and England. A heat wave is defined as a period of above-average high temperatures, sometimes accompanied by high humidity. While the United States routinely has heat waves during the summer, they are less common in Russia and Denmark.

A major health risk heat waves are actually the fact that it’s easier to have heat exhaustion. When it’s extremely hot outside like it is during a heatwave, people will get dehydrated.

HEAT WAVES CAN CAUSE:

• Power Outages Are Common During Heat Waves
• Heat Waves Can Kill People
• Heat Waves Can Trigger Devastating Wildfires
• Heat Waves Have Adverse Effects On Mental Health
• Heat Waves Can Cause Infrastructural Damage

WHEN DO HEAT WAVES OCCUR?
This high concentration of pressure makes it difficult for other weather systems to move into the area, which is why a heat wave can last for several days or weeks. The longer the system stays in an area, the hotter the area becomes. It can occur in summers or anytime in the year.

FUN FACTS

• A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive humidity.
• Excessive heat is determined by Heat Index Values. The heat index, also known as the apparent temperature, is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature.
• Excessive heat is determined by Heat Index Values. The heat index, also known as the apparent temperature, is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature
• If your pet stays outdoors during extreme heat, make sure they have cold water and an area out of the sun where they can cool off. For pets, spending time in a hot car can be super dangerous. Hang signs to remind pet owners not to leave their furry friends in hot cars.