Heatwaves

A heatwave is a period of unusually hot weather that lasts for several days or more. During a heatwave, temperatures are much higher than normal. Heatwaves can be dangerous for people, animals, and plants. They are becoming more common as Earth's climate changes.

What Causes Heatwaves

Heatwaves happen when a large area of high pressure sits over a region. The high pressure pushes warm air down and traps it near the ground. The trapped air keeps getting hotter day after day. Wind patterns sometimes keep the high pressure in place for a long time.

Staying Safe

During a heatwave, it is important to drink lots of water. People should stay in the shade or air conditioning during the hottest hours. Animals pant, dig burrows, or find shade to cool down. Cities can be even hotter than the countryside because concrete and asphalt absorb heat.

Fun Facts

• The hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth was 134 degrees Fahrenheit in Death Valley, California.
• Cities can be 10 to 15 degrees hotter than nearby countryside because of all the concrete and asphalt.
• Heatwaves cause more weather-related deaths than any other type of weather event.

Did You Know?

Dogs cool down by panting because they cannot sweat through most of their skin. On very hot days, dogs can overheat quickly, so they need shade and plenty of water!