Phenomena
Heat Wave
Climatology
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A heat wave, sometimes described as extreme heat, is a period of abnormally hot weather lasting multiple days, usually measured relative to the typical climate and normal seasonal temperatures of the area affected. Because a heat wave is defined relative to local norms, temperatures that residents of a hotter climate would consider ordinary can qualify as a heat wave in a cooler region if they fall outside that area's normal climate pattern.
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Associated With
Extreme heat lowers fuel moisture and is a documented co-driver of major wildfire outbreaks.
Caused By
Heat waves are commonly driven by persistent high-pressure atmospheric circulation blocking patterns.
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