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.
Connections
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.
In Discipline
Sources
Heat wave (Wikipedia)
In Group: Extreme Weather and Drought, Lead sentenceQuote, In Group: Extreme Weather and Drought, Lead sentence
A heat wave or heatwave, sometimes described as extreme heat, is a period of abnormally hot weather that lasts for multiple days.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.