Extension Disaster Education Network

University of Wyoming Extension

Heat Wave - Extreme Heat

A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity. There is no universal definition of a heat wave; the term is relative to the usual weather in the area. Temperatures that people from a hotter climate consider normal can be termed a heat wave in a cooler area if they are outside the normal climate pattern for that area. The term is applied both to routine weather variations and to extraordinary spells of heat which may occur only once a century. Severe heat waves have caused catastrophic crop failures, thousands of deaths from hyperthermia, and widespread power outages due to increased use of air conditioning.

Links

• National Weather Service - Heat Page

Resources for the Elderly

• Beat the Heat
• Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness  
• Planning for Extreme Heat 
• Hot Weather Safety for Older Adults
  

Resources on working when it's hot

• Working in these hot conditions is taxing on the body. Be prepared to take care of yourself and others when you work outdoors this summer.
• Heat Safety Fact Sheet (OSHA publication: pdf)
• Heat Safety Fact Sheet - Spanish version (OSHA publication in Spanish: pdf)

Fact Sheet:

• Heat Safety Tips on the Farm
  Provided by the Carlen Foundation Hospital Center for Rural Health and Farm Safety (IL)