Heat wave
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A heat wave, sometimes described as extreme heat, is a period of abnormally hot weather. Definitions vary but are similar. A heat wave is usually measured relative to the usual climate in the area and to normal temperatures for the season. Temperatures that humans from a hotter climate consider normal, can be regarded as a heat wave in a cooler area. This would be the case if the warm temperatures are outside the normal climate pattern for that area. High humidity often occurs during heat waves as well. This is especially the case in oceanic climate countries. Heat waves have become more frequent, and more intense over land, across almost every area on Earth since the 1950s. Heat waves occur from climate change.
A high pressure system in the upper atmosphere traps heat near the ground, forming a heat wave (for North America as an example)
Heat stroke treatment at Baton Rouge during the 2016 Louisiana floods
The National Weather Service risk categories for NWS HeatRisk.
The new California Academy of Sciences building in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park has a green roof that covers 2.5 acres (10,000 m2). According to the Academy's fact sheet on the building, the building consumes 30–35 percent less energy than required by code.
2003 European heatwave
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The 2003 European heat wave saw the hottest summer recorded in Europe since at least 1540. France was hit especially hard. The heat wave led to health crises in several countries and combined with drought to create a crop shortfall in parts of Southern Europe. The death toll has been estimated at more than 70,000.
The difference in average temperature (2000, 2001, 2002 and 2004) from 2003, covering the date range of 20 July – 20 August
The Loire river almost dry near Nevers.
A public sign in Paris that reads: "For information on Parisian victims of the heat wave, the city of Paris has established a toll-free number: ...".
Low water level in Haweswater Reservoir, September 2003