Heat wave

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 usually 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.

Definition

The term heat wave is applied both to routine weather variations and to extraordinary spells of heat which may occur only once a century. Severe heat waves have caused catastrophic crop failures, thousands of deaths from hyperthermia, and widespread power outages due to increased use of air conditioning. A heat wave is considered extreme weather, and a danger because heat and sunlight may overheat the human body.

Effects

Heat waves can and do cause heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat stroke, and death, as well as exacerbate preexisting chronic conditions, such as various respiratory, cerebral, and cardiovascular diseases. Aside from physical stress, excessive heat causes psychological stress, to a degree which affects performance, and is also associated with an increase in violent crime.

Prevention

Prevention is the most effective measure to prevent the adverse effects of heat waves. This includes advising individuals to avoid activities that may cause heat stress or dehydration and to check up on the elderly or those with chronic disease.

See also

• Heat stroke
• Hyperthermia
• Dehydration
• Climate change

References

Heat wave Resources
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