A heat wave refers to both a prolonged period of high temperature and excessive humidity. Heat Index Values are used to determine if the heat in a particular period is already excessive, which is essentially the measurement of apparent temperature or the effect of temperature on the human body when humidity is factored in.
A heat wave happens when high atmospheric pressure system moves into a particular area, pulling air from the upper levels of the atmosphere toward the ground. This air becomes compressed as it nears land and creates high levels of humidity. Because of the pressure’s concentration, other weather systems are unable to replace it; rainclouds and cooling winds are pushed away. A heat wave can thus last for days or even several weeks.
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It’s important to note that while heat waves are yet to be completely linked to climate change, they are weather phenomena that over time could signify the warming of the planet. This is especially true in recent years, with the increase in the frequency of heat waves throughout the world.
There have been record highs in temperatures in recent years, evidenced in North America by increased occurrences of heat waves in Canada and the United States. An interesting trivia to remember here is that these high-temperature events kill more Americans than other natural disasters like lightning, floods, tornadoes, or storms. Children and adults over 65 years of age are especially susceptible to heat exhaustion and stroke.
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