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An excessive heat warning is a notice issued by the National Weather Service of the United States within 12 hours of the heat index reaching one of two criteria levels. In most areas, a warning will be issued if there is a heat index of at least 105 °F (41 °C) for more than three hours per day for two consecutive days, or if the heat index is greater than 115 °F (46 °C) for any period of time.
Heat stroke is an acute temperature elevation caused by exposure to excessive heat, or combination of heat and humidity, that overwhelms the heat-regulating mechanisms of the body. The latter is a relatively rare side effect of many drugs, particularly those that affect the central nervous system .
An excessive heat watch is a notice issued by the National Weather Service of the United States when the high temperatures reach anywhere within the range of 95 °F (35 °C) and 100 °F (38 °C) in the continental US.
A heat wave or heatwave, sometimes described as extreme heat, is a period of abnormally hot weather [1]: 2911 generally considered to be at least five consecutive days. A heat wave is usually measured relative to the usual climate in the area and to normal temperatures for the season. [ 2 ]
In meteorology, a heat burst is a rare atmospheric phenomenon characterized by a sudden, localized increase in air temperature near the Earth's surface. Heat bursts typically occur during night-time and are associated with decaying thunderstorms . [ 1 ]
Heat stroke results in more than 600 deaths a year in the United States. [4] Rates increased between 1995 and 2015. [3] Purely exercise-induced heat stroke, though a medical emergency, tends to be self-limiting (the patient stops exercising from cramp or exhaustion) and fewer than 5% of cases are fatal.
Heat illness is a spectrum of disorders due to increased body temperature. It can be caused by either environmental conditions or by exertion. It includes minor conditions such as heat cramps, heat syncope, and heat exhaustion as well as the more severe condition known as heat stroke. [1] It can affect any or all anatomical systems. [2]
Heat stress can result in heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, hyperthermia, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat rashes, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). [2] [3] Although heat exhaustion is less severe, heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires emergency treatment, which if not provided, can lead to death. [4]