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Questions and Answers
What is a characteristic of a heat wave?
What occurs when a high-pressure system moves into an area?
Why can a heat wave last for several days or weeks?
What is a consequence of the high-pressure system preventing clouds from entering the region?
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Why are heat waves considered dangerous weather?
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Study Notes
What is a Heat Wave?
- A heat wave is a period of unusually hot weather lasting two or more days
- Temperature is hotter than the average for the region
Causes of a Heat Wave
- Occurs when a system of high atmospheric pressure moves into an area
- Air from upper levels of the atmosphere is pulled toward the ground, where it becomes compressed and increases in temperature
- High concentration of pressure makes it difficult for other weather systems to move into the area
Characteristics of a Heat Wave
- High-pressure inhibits winds, making them faint-to-nonexistent
- Prevents clouds from entering the region, allowing sunlight to heat up the system even more
- Combination of these factors creates exceptionally hot temperatures
Effects of a Heat Wave
- Can be deadly
- Lasting for several days or weeks makes the area hotter
- Frequency, severity, and length of heat waves are increasing
Safety Precautions
- Stay out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day
- Avoid strenuous activities
- Keep yourself hydrated with plenty of fresh water
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Description
Learn about heat waves, their causes, and characteristics including the role of high atmospheric pressure, increased temperatures, and their growing frequency and severity.
