Hazardous Heat Waves

Name: What Is a Heat Wave?
Uploaded: 2021-02-10T00:00:00+00:00
Description: Heat waves are periods of abnormally hot weather that can be just as dangerous as severe storms — threatening health, triggering wildfires, and hitting cities especially hard. This animated science video for children ages 5–10 explains what heat waves are, why they are getting worse as Earth's climate warms, and how to stay safe during one.

This video is a part of Animated Atmosphere, a suite of short videos produced by the UCAR Center for Science Education with FableVision Studios.

Heat waves are abnormally hot weather that occurs over a few days to several weeks, and climate change is making them worse. Watch and find out why heat waves are a hazard and what you can do to stay safe when they happen.

Transcript

[0:06] A heat wave is a period of abnormally hot weather.

[0:09] While heat waves aren't as dramatic as most severe storms, they're just as dangerous.

[0:13] Heat waves can be hazardous to your health.

[0:15] They can also trigger massively destructive wildfires that pollute the air.

[0:19] Heat waves are often more intense in cities where asphalt and concrete absorb, rather than reflect, heat.

[0:24] The frequency and intensity of heat waves are increasing as Earth's climate gets warmer.

[0:28] During a heat wave, stay cool, drink lots of water, and reduce physical activity. Check on family, neighbors, and pets who may be at risk.