11 Facts About Heat Waves

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1. A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive humidity.^[Climate Communication Science & Outreach. “Heat Waves: The Details.” Web Accessed March 21, 2015.]
2. 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.^[Amarillo, TX Weather Forecast Office. “What is the heat index?” National Weather Service. Web Accessed March 21, 2015.]
3. Summers in North America are hot, meaning most parts of the US experience heat waves during the summer. The region east of the Rockies tend feel heat waves with high temperature and humidity.^[National Weather Service. “Heat Wave: A Major Summer Killer.” Office of Climate, Water, and Weather Services. Web Accessed March 21, 2015.]
4. 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. Sign up for Hot Dogs.^[The Humane Society of the United States. “Keep Pets Safe in the Heat" 2014. Web Accessed March 21, 2015.]
5. Extreme heat can cause cramps, swelling, and fainting.^[National Weather Service. “Heat Wave: A Major Summer Killer.” Office of Climate, Water, and Weather Services. Web Accessed March 21, 2015.]
6. Heat waves kill more Americans than other natural disasters such as floods, lightning, tornadoes, and hurricanes.^[Altman, Peter. “Killer Summer Heat: Projected Death Toll from Rising Temperatures in America Due to Climate Change.” Natural Resources Defense Council, 2012. Web Accessed March 21, 2015.]
7. Young children and adults over the age of 65 are most likely to experience heat exhaustion or other heat-related illness.^[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Extreme Heat.” Web Accessed March 21, 2015.]
8. In July 1995, Chicago, Illinois experienced a heat wave that caused over 700 deaths. Scientists predict that the Midwest could endure similar heat waves up to 3 times a year by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase.^[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Climate Impacts in the Midwest.” 2011. Web Accessed March 21, 2015.]
9. Urban areas often experience higher temperatures during the summer, referred to as “Urban Heat Island.” This is due to buildings, roads, and other infrastructures absorbing solar energy, resulting in higher temperatures.^[New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. “Heat Island Effects.” Web Accessed March 21, 2015.]
10. Heat waves can cause blackouts and power outages, especially in areas that experience the urban heat island effect.^[National Geographic Education. “Urban Heat Island.” Web Accessed March 21, 2015.]
11. To stay hydrated during a heat wave, drink plenty of water and eat a salty snack to help replace the salt the body loses when it sweats.^[Brink, Susan. “How 100 Degrees Does a Number on You.” National Geographic, 2013. Web Accessed March 21, 2015.]