Adults - Heatwaves - Prevention

E-Learning Module for Adults

Heat waves

e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Natural Disasters

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Part 1: Prevention

In part 1 of the heat wave module , you will learn:

• WHAT IS A HEAT WAVE (causes and characteristics)

•WHAT TO BE AWARE OF

•THE IMPACT OF A HEAT WAVE


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Part 1: PreventionHeat waves - What are they?

Heat waves are a natural phenomenon and can’t be “prevented” but you can be more aware and better

prepared if they do affect you.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net


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Heat waves are a natural phenomenon and can’t be “prevented” but you can be more aware and better

prepared if they do affect you.The weather warms up in the summertime, the days are become longer and there's more time to be outside doing all kinds of fun things in the summertime – gardening, playing with your children, having picnics, etc. But if you're going to be out in the sun, especially on a hot day, you need to know how to stay safe – you will be able to give advice to your children, friends, colleagues and relatives.



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Part 1: Prevention

WHAT IS A HEAT WAVE (causes and characteristics)


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Do you know what a heat-wave is?

To begin with, heat is energy that is transferred from one body to another because of a difference in temperature. Heat is so well known from our earliest childhood that we hardly think about it.


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Do you know what a heat-wave is?

To begin with, heat is energy that is transferred from one body to another because of a difference in temperature. Heat is so well known from our earliest childhood that we hardly think about it.

Heat waves are extended periods of unusually hot weather that affect human and animal health. A heat wave can be an extended period of days with higher than normal temperatures. However, a heat wave can also be shorter in length, but with abnormally high temperatures which bring negative effects on human health, as well as on nature.


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Part 1: Prevention Heat waves - What are they?

Do you know what causes a heat wave?

Climate change is seen as one of the most important factors which cause heat waves and increases the intensity and frequency of heat waves. Heat waves are becoming hotter, lasting longer and occurring more often. In the last decade, record levels of hot weather have occurred three times more often than cold weather records. Climate change is also making heat waves worse in terms of their impacts on people, property, communities and the environment.

Image courtesy of Kookkai_nak at FreeDigitalPhotos.net


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Part 1: Prevention Heat waves - What are they?

Do you know what causes a heat wave?

Climate change is seen as one of the most important factors which cause heat waves and increases the intensity and frequency of heat waves. Heat waves are becoming hotter, lasting longer and occurring more often. In the last decade, record levels of hot weather have occurred three times more often than cold weather records. Climate change is also making heat waves worse in terms of their impacts on people, property, communities and the environment.


It is crucial that communities, emergency services, health, medical and social services, and other authorities prepare for the increases that are already occurring in the severity and frequency of hot weather.


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The characteristics of the heat wave, how does it occur?

We can divide main reasons of why heat waves occur into two parts:1. Air Pressure


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The characteristics of the heat wave, how does it occur?

We can divide main reasons of why heat waves occur into two parts:1. Air Pressure2. Depletion of Ozone layer


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1. Air Pressure

The main reason why heat waves occur is closely connected with Jet stream. This stream occurs in the northern hemisphere atmosphere at approximately 11 km height between areas of high and low air pressure. The air which is on the edges of the Jet stream is likely to be warmer. Since the high atmospheric air pressure is not marked by lots of clouds, the surface of the earth can easily get warmer than usual. In this case, just because the layer of clouds above the earth is very thin or it does not exist at all, the possibility to cool the earth disappears completely and so the heat wave can occur.


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2. Depletion of Ozone layer

The Ozone layer covers and protects the Earth from direct and very harmful sun rays. Depletion of this layer can reduce protection and cause harm not only for people (various cancer illnesses) but also for nature and the environment (land may become drier, crops fail, the temperature of the air is rising, etc.)


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We all need to be very careful about the environment in order not to make the Ozone layer thinner. You should all know how to behave and what to do if a heat wave occurs. We can distinguish several features of heat waves:


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We all need to be very careful about the environment in order not to make the Ozone layer thinner. You should all know how to behave and what to do if a heat wave occurs. We can distinguish several features of heat waves:•Unseasonable Warmth


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We all need to be very careful about the environment in order not to make the Ozone layer thinner. You should all know how to behave and what to do if a heat wave occurs. We can distinguish several features of heat waves:•Unseasonable Warmth•Humidity


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We all need to be very careful about the environment in order not to make the Ozone layer thinner. You should all know how to behave and what to do if a heat wave occurs. We can distinguish several features of heat waves:•Unseasonable Warmth•Humidity•Duration


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Unseasonable WarmthHeat waves are generally characterized by periods of unseasonable warmth. This is defined in different ways in different countries. Although this can also happen and be common during the cooler months, it is generally considered a heat wave during the warm months when the air becomes uncomfortably warm. For example, the air temperature in your town or city reaches 28-30◦ C for couple of days. The weather forecast on TV or radio does not promise any changes – according to forecaster such temperature will remain during the next 4-5 days. So such a period can be called a heat wave.

Image courtesy of kjnnt at FreeDigitalPhotos.net


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Part 1: Preventionheat waves – what are they?

Threshold maximum day and night temperatures defined by the UK Met Office National Severe Weather Warning Service (NSWWS) region are set out below (extract National UK Heat wave Plan 2016)Maximum temperatures (°C)• NSWWS Region Day Night• London 32 18• South East 31 16• South West 30 15• Eastern 30 15• West Midlands 30 15• East Midlands 30 15• North West 30 15• Yorkshire and Humber 29 15• North East 28 15


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Humidity

As much as the heat is a factor in a heat wave, so too is the humidity. Humidity measures how much moisture is in the air. Warm air holds more moisture than cold air and, at higher temperatures, humidity can be extremely uncomfortable. The reason for this is that the human body cools itself by the evaporation of sweat. When humidity is too high sweat does not effectively evaporate and people can easily overheat.


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Humidity

Heat waves can lead to drought. Drought and heat, in fact, are inter-related. According to scientists, in regions where moisture in the air and soil is reduced, naturally, the air temperature rises, and this can result in longer and more intense heat waves. So, if there is enough water remaining in the soil, cooling connected with the evaporation could slow the severity of an on-coming heat wave, preventing the occurrence of extreme heat waves. Image courtesy of dan at

FreeDigitalPhotos.net


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HumidityHeat waves occur when a ridge of high pressure sits over a region for an extended period of time, bringing down dry, hot air to the ground. As the air sinks, it warms and compresses and is very hot by the time it reaches the surface. This hot air quickly heats up the ground, which raises the air temperature. Since the centre of high pressure areas are usually cloud-free, the direct sunlight further raises daytime temperatures. If humidity is high, temperatures do not cool much at night. Night-time heat greatly contributes to heat stress because the body has no relief from the oppressive conditions.


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Duration

In addition to unseasonably warm temperatures and high humidity, a heat wave is characterized by its duration. One unusually warm day does not make a heat wave. However, when that heat stays around for two or more days, it is considered a heat wave. The longer a mass of high atmospheric pressure sits on an area, the warmer it can get. In this way, heat waves that last many days or even several weeks and can be particularly dangerous.


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Part 1: Prevention

WHAT TO BE AWARE OF?


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Part 1: PreventionHeat waves - What to be aware of?

AREAS AT RISK

Heat waves are a particularly important risk for people living in cities because metropolitan areas can be significantly warmer than neighbouring countryside areas. Dense urban areas, such as inner city environments, may be 1 to 3°C hotter than surrounding areas. This phenomenon is known as the “Urban Heat Island” and occurs because of a decreased amount of plants and increased areas of dark surfaces in urban environments (sidewalks, roads, etc.), in addition to the heat produced from vehicles and generators. The Urban Heat Island effect is generally more prominent during the night than the day, so its major impact is to increase the likelihood of extreme high minimum temperatures.

Image courtesy of kjnnt at FreeDigitalPhotos.net


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Part 1: Prevention Heat waves - What to be aware of?

Heat waves can be dangerous for adults over 65, children under 4, and people who suffer from heart disease or if they do not have any air conditioning at home. Any time a person is exposed to heat, they are in danger of suffering from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These heat-related illnesses have killed thousands over the last 100 years.

WHICH POPULATION GROUP IS THE MOST VULNERABLE?



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Elderly people are particularly at risk during heat wave conditions because ageing decreases tolerance to heat:



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Elderly people are particularly at risk during heat wave conditions because ageing decreases tolerance to heat: •thirst is sensed later,



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Elderly people are particularly at risk during heat wave conditions because ageing decreases tolerance to heat: •thirst is sensed later, •the sweating reaction is delayed



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Elderly people are particularly at risk during heat wave conditions because ageing decreases tolerance to heat: •thirst is sensed later, •the sweating reaction is delayed•the number of sweating glands is reduced.



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Part 1: Prevention

THE IMPACT OF HEAT WAVES


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Part 1: Prevention The impact of a heat wave

Health Effects

Heat waves can have direct and indirect impact on people’s health.


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Health Effects

Heat waves can have direct and indirect impact on people’s health.

Direct impact Indirect impact1.Heat exhaustion2.Heat stroke3.Heat cramps4.Dehydration, etc..

1.The spread of communicable diseases2.Increases in deaths due to higher air pollution3.Various diseases from different insects, etc.


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Video Health Effects


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Direct impact on people’s health

The main health effects of a heat wave result from the body not being able to effectively cool itself. Without proper cooling, a person can suffer from heat exhaustion and eventually heat stroke. Without enough fluid intake, a person can suffer dehydration. This often occurs when the body sweats out more water than it takes in. The elderly, particularly those who have problems with their heart, can be especially vulnerable during a heat wave.


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This picture shows what impact higher body temperature can have on people's health. The higher body temperature occurs when the body's natural cooling process is effected by the heat wave, when the body cannot cool itself properly by sweating, especially if humidity is high. In this case, if core body temperature rises to 38 degrees for several hours, heat exhaustion occurs and mental and physical capacity becomes impaired. If core body temperature rises to 42, even for just a few hours, heat stroke and death can result.


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Heat waves lasting even a few days, especially if coupled with high nighttime temperatures (for example, above 20°C or lower 30°C), can cause serious health impacts. The warm nights are particularly important because our bodies do not get the chance to recover. It is cumulative effects over a few days of an intense heat wave that lead to serious health impacts and deaths – and people tend to see these after the worst of the heat wave has passed.


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Overall we can note that:


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Overall we can note that:•People can suffer from heat cramps, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.


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Overall we can note that:•People can suffer from heat cramps, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.•When a heat wave occurs the body can lose lots of water – dehydration may occur.


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Overall we can note that:•People can suffer from heat cramps, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.•When a heat wave occurs the body can lose lots of water – dehydration may occur.•Also, when trying to cool yourself during the intensive heat and drinking lots of cold water you can catch a flu.


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Heat cramps. What are they? How to recognize?

Heat cramps often occur during extreme heat. Heat cramps are often an early sign that the body is having trouble with the heat. -They are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs.-Such spasms can occur even while having rest or at night time-Panic can occur because you do not know how to behave in such a situation.


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Heat exhaustion. What is it? How to recognise it?

When a person feels that his or her body’s process of heat exchange has stopped they may feel discomfort, his or her system of thermoregulation starts working more actively, the thermal balance is disrupted in a person’s body - all these reasons may lead to the heat exhaustion.


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Heat exhaustion is a more severe condition than heat cramps. Heat exhaustion often affects athletes, firefighters, and factory workers. It also affects those wearing heavy clothing in a hot, humid environment. You can identify signs which will help you to recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the heat exhaustion:



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Heat exhaustion is a more severe condition than heat cramps. Heat exhaustion often affects athletes, firefighters, and factory workers. It also affects those wearing heavy clothing in a hot, humid environment. You can identify signs which will help you to recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the heat exhaustion:•cool, moist, pale, flushed skin;



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Heat exhaustion is a more severe condition than heat cramps. Heat exhaustion often affects athletes, firefighters, and factory workers. It also affects those wearing heavy clothing in a hot, humid environment. You can identify signs which will help you to recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the heat exhaustion:•cool, moist, pale, flushed skin; •headache;



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Heat exhaustion is a more severe condition than heat cramps. Heat exhaustion often affects athletes, firefighters, and factory workers. It also affects those wearing heavy clothing in a hot, humid environment. You can identify signs which will help you to recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the heat exhaustion:•cool, moist, pale, flushed skin; •headache;•nausea;



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Heat exhaustion is a more severe condition than heat cramps. Heat exhaustion often affects athletes, firefighters, and factory workers. It also affects those wearing heavy clothing in a hot, humid environment. You can identify signs which will help you to recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the heat exhaustion:•cool, moist, pale, flushed skin; •headache;•nausea;•dizziness;



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Heat exhaustion is a more severe condition than heat cramps. Heat exhaustion often affects athletes, firefighters, and factory workers. It also affects those wearing heavy clothing in a hot, humid environment. You can identify signs which will help you to recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the heat exhaustion:•cool, moist, pale, flushed skin; •headache;•nausea;•dizziness; •weakness and exhaustion.



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Heat stroke. What is it? How to recognise it?

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that usually occurs by ignoring the indicators of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke develops when the body systems are overwhelmed by heat and begin to stop functioning. The following signs will help you to recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the heat stroke:


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Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that usually occurs by ignoring the indicators of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke develops when the body systems are overwhelmed by heat and begin to stop functioning. The following signs will help you to recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the heat stroke: •extremely high body temperature;


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Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that usually occurs by ignoring the indicators of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke develops when the body systems are overwhelmed by heat and begin to stop functioning. The following signs will help you to recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the heat stroke: •extremely high body temperature; •red skin which may be dry or moist;


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Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that usually occurs by ignoring the indicators of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke develops when the body systems are overwhelmed by heat and begin to stop functioning. The following signs will help you to recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the heat stroke: •extremely high body temperature; •red skin which may be dry or moist; •changes in consciousness;


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Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that usually occurs by ignoring the indicators of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke develops when the body systems are overwhelmed by heat and begin to stop functioning. The following signs will help you to recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the heat stroke: •extremely high body temperature; •red skin which may be dry or moist; •changes in consciousness; •rapid, weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing;


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Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that usually occurs by ignoring the indicators of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke develops when the body systems are overwhelmed by heat and begin to stop functioning. The following signs will help you to recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the heat stroke: •extremely high body temperature; •red skin which may be dry or moist; •changes in consciousness; •rapid, weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing; •vomiting.


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Video: How to Prevent Heatstroke


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Heat stroke v. Heat exhaustionHeat exhaustion and heat stroke are very similar. That is why it is sometimes difficult to identify and separate what exactly happened to a person. Below you can see the main differences between those two illnesses:


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Dehydration. What is it? How to recognise it?

Dehydration is the loss of huge amount of liquid from the body. It occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the amount being taken in. The following signs which will help you to recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the dehydration:


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Dehydration is the loss of huge amount of liquid from the body. It occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the amount being taken in. The following signs which will help you to recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the dehydration:•Increased thirst


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Dehydration is the loss of huge amount of liquid from the body. It occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the amount being taken in. The following signs which will help you to recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the dehydration:•Increased thirst•Increased sweating


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Dehydration is the loss of huge amount of liquid from the body. It occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the amount being taken in. The following signs which will help you to recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the dehydration:•Increased thirst•Increased sweating•Dry mouth and swollen tongue


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Dehydration is the loss of huge amount of liquid from the body. It occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the amount being taken in. The following signs which will help you to recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the dehydration:•Increased thirst•Increased sweating•Dry mouth and swollen tongue•Weakness


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Dehydration is the loss of huge amount of liquid from the body. It occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the amount being taken in. The following signs which will help you to recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the dehydration:•Increased thirst•Increased sweating•Dry mouth and swollen tongue•Weakness•Confusion


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Dehydration is the loss of huge amount of liquid from the body. It occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the amount being taken in. The following signs which will help you to recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the dehydration:•Increased thirst•Increased sweating•Dry mouth and swollen tongue•Weakness•Confusion•Fainting


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Dehydration is the loss of huge amount of liquid from the body. It occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the amount being taken in. The following signs which will help you to recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the dehydration:•Increased thirst•Increased sweating•Dry mouth and swollen tongue•Weakness•Confusion•Fainting•Head aches.


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Indirect impacts on public health.

There are a number of indirect effects that extreme heat has on our health:



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There are a number of indirect effects that extreme heat has on our health:•It can cause various infectious diseases to be transmitted by insects;



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There are a number of indirect effects that extreme heat has on our health:•It can cause various infectious diseases to be transmitted by insects;•It is important to mention that extreme heat can lead to power outages, which in turn can lead to a loss of air-conditioning and also loss of refrigeration and cooling, affecting homes and food outlets → harmful bacteria in food grows more quickly in warm temperatures → increased risk of gastrointestinal illnesses from food that is kept in such warm conditions without any refrigerators.Image courtesy of Kookkai_nak at



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Workplace safety and productivity

The effect of extreme heat can be a slowing down in daily activities and reduction in work productivity which may be a significantly important economic factor.


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The effect of extreme heat can be a slowing down in daily activities and reduction in work productivity which may be a significantly important economic factor. Extreme heat can pose serious health risks for outdoor workers and for those working in enclosed indoor spaces without adequate ventilation. Under extreme conditions, heat stress or even death can occur.


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It is possible to divide jobs into three main categories that affect the human body differently during heat wave conditions:


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It is possible to divide jobs into three main categories that affect the human body differently during heat wave conditions:•Easy physical work – here we could include the job that is closely connected with sitting or less physical activity. It could be the job of a manager and all the professions that are connected with an organisation and its management.


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It is possible to divide jobs into three main categories that affect the human body differently during heat wave conditions:•Easy physical work – here we could include the job that is closely connected with sitting or less physical activity. It could be the job of a manager and all the professions that are connected with an organisation and its management.•Physical jobs of mid-difficulty – it is usually work connected with bigger physical activity than usual (more walking, more moving) and/or moving things that weigh less than 10 kg – warehouse loader or a post office worker who is working with bigger letters and shipments.


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It is possible to divide jobs into three main categories that affect the human body differently during heat wave conditions:•Easy physical work – here we could include the job that is closely connected with sitting or less physical activity. It could be the job of a manager and all the professions that are connected with an organisation and its management.•Physical jobs of mid-difficulty – it is usually work connected with bigger physical activity than usual (more walking, more moving) and/or moving things that weigh less than 10 kg – warehouse loader or a post office worker who is working with bigger letters and shipments.•Hard physical job – the job which is connected with permanent and fixed physical activity (walking, moving around, etc.) and/or moving things that weigh more than 10 kg from one place to another - post office worker who are dealing with big shipments or even pallets, building site workers etc.)


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Those most at risk include:


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Those most at risk include:•construction workers,


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Those most at risk include:•construction workers, •farmers,


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Those most at risk include:•construction workers, •farmers, •emergency and essential service workers


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Those most at risk include:•construction workers, •farmers, •emergency and essential service workers•those working outside in the mining industry.


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Those most at risk include:•construction workers, •farmers, •emergency and essential service workers•those working outside in the mining industry. During physical exertion in periods of extreme heat the body can have difficulty removing the heat generated and the core body temperature can rise to dangerous levels, leading to heat stress or death.


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Those most at risk include:•construction workers, •farmers, •emergency and essential service workers•those working outside in the mining industry. During physical exertion in periods of extreme heat the body can have difficulty removing the heat generated and the core body temperature can rise to dangerous levels, leading to heat stress or death. Heat can also lead to mental health problems in workers, such as:


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Those most at risk include:•construction workers, •farmers, •emergency and essential service workers•those working outside in the mining industry. During physical exertion in periods of extreme heat the body can have difficulty removing the heat generated and the core body temperature can rise to dangerous levels, leading to heat stress or death. Heat can also lead to mental health problems in workers, such as:•aggression, confusion,


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Those most at risk include:•construction workers, •farmers, •emergency and essential service workers•those working outside in the mining industry. During physical exertion in periods of extreme heat the body can have difficulty removing the heat generated and the core body temperature can rise to dangerous levels, leading to heat stress or death. Heat can also lead to mental health problems in workers, such as:•aggression, confusion, •psychological distress and other behavioural changes that can affect workers and their productivity.


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One measure of the risk to workers of extreme heat is the “dangerous day” concept. A dangerous day occurs when sweating cannot cool the body and core body temperature rises by 2.5◦C over less than two hours. For workers who are accustomed to working in hot climates, the number of dangerous days is rising step by step.


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One measure of the risk to workers of extreme heat is the “dangerous day” concept. A dangerous day occurs when sweating cannot cool the body and core body temperature rises by 2.5◦C over less than two hours. For workers who are accustomed to working in hot climates, the number of dangerous days is rising step by step. The impacts of extreme heat on worker’s wellbeing and productivity can also be measured in economic terms, the underlying cause being a general slowing down of work or the complete stoppage of work on very hot days. Reduced labour productivity from future heat waves will not only be costly but will force changes in the workplace. Measures such as air conditioning to workplaces to enhance worker productivity may be costly and unreliable. Similarly, workers may need to take more frequent breaks, or work at a slower pace. As a result, to maintain current productivity levels, it may be necessary to:


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One measure of the risk to workers of extreme heat is the “dangerous day” concept. A dangerous day occurs when sweating cannot cool the body and core body temperature rises by 2.5◦C over less than two hours. For workers who are accustomed to working in hot climates, the number of dangerous days is rising step by step. The impacts of extreme heat on worker’s wellbeing and productivity can also be measured in economic terms, the underlying cause being a general slowing down of work or the complete stoppage of work on very hot days. Reduced labour productivity from future heat waves will not only be costly but will force changes in the workplace. Measures such as air conditioning to workplaces to enhance worker productivity may be costly and unreliable. Similarly, workers may need to take more frequent breaks, or work at a slower pace. As a result, to maintain current productivity levels, it may be necessary to:• engage greater numbers of workers,


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One measure of the risk to workers of extreme heat is the “dangerous day” concept. A dangerous day occurs when sweating cannot cool the body and core body temperature rises by 2.5◦C over less than two hours. For workers who are accustomed to working in hot climates, the number of dangerous days is rising step by step. The impacts of extreme heat on worker’s wellbeing and productivity can also be measured in economic terms, the underlying cause being a general slowing down of work or the complete stoppage of work on very hot days. Reduced labour productivity from future heat waves will not only be costly but will force changes in the workplace. Measures such as air conditioning to workplaces to enhance worker productivity may be costly and unreliable. Similarly, workers may need to take more frequent breaks, or work at a slower pace. As a result, to maintain current productivity levels, it may be necessary to:• engage greater numbers of workers,• increase working hours for existing workers,


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One measure of the risk to workers of extreme heat is the “dangerous day” concept. A dangerous day occurs when sweating cannot cool the body and core body temperature rises by 2.5◦C over less than two hours. For workers who are accustomed to working in hot climates, the number of dangerous days is rising step by step. The impacts of extreme heat on worker’s wellbeing and productivity can also be measured in economic terms, the underlying cause being a general slowing down of work or the complete stoppage of work on very hot days. Reduced labour productivity from future heat waves will not only be costly but will force changes in the workplace. Measures such as air conditioning to workplaces to enhance worker productivity may be costly and unreliable. Similarly, workers may need to take more frequent breaks, or work at a slower pace. As a result, to maintain current productivity levels, it may be necessary to:• engage greater numbers of workers,• increase working hours for existing workers,• change working hours to night shifts to avoid the heat of the day.


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Negative impacts on InfrastructureExtreme heat can have significant impacts on infrastructure and essential services, especially electricity transmission and transport systems. Heat waves test the ability of the infrastructure to withstand the pressures of increased energy demand; in particular from use of air conditioners. Transmission lines may become so hot that they expand and can hang dangerously low. If this occurs, the electricity flow is decreased to allow the transmission lines to cool and contract



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Negative impacts on InfrastructureExtreme heat can have significant impacts on infrastructure and essential services, especially electricity transmission and transport systems. Heat waves test the ability of the infrastructure to withstand the pressures of increased energy demand; in particular from use of air conditioners. Transmission lines may become so hot that they expand and can hang dangerously low. If this occurs, the electricity flow is decreased to allow the transmission lines to cool and contract

Ceramic insulators on power lines may also be affected by smoke, moisture, or ash from heat wave associated wildfires, becoming less effective and may have their electricity supply stopped.Image courtesy of Kookkai_nak at



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Effects on nature (plants, animals)Like human beings, animals suffer too, particularly when they are left in direct sun and do not get adequate water. Domestic animals and poultry birds are especially vulnerable to heat wave. Temperature, wind speed, humidity, and solar radiation can all contribute to heat stress in livestock. In periods of extreme heat, birds may lose up to 5% of their body mass per hour and rapidly reach their limit of dehydration tolerance.

Image courtesy of digitalart at FreeDigitalPhotos.net


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Effects on agriculture.

Despite the complexity of global food supply, there are well-established linkages between growing seasonal temperatures, precipitation and crop performance. For wheat, corn and barley, there is a clear negative response of global yields to increased temperatures. Image courtesy of danat



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Despite the complexity of global food supply, there are well-established linkages between growing seasonal temperatures, precipitation and crop performance. For wheat, corn and barley, there is a clear negative response of global yields to increased temperatures.

Heat waves can have significant impacts on agricultural crops and livestock. High temperatures over several days can reduce the crop yield substantially, through both direct and indirect effects.

Image courtesy of danat FreeDigitalPhotos.net


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Effects on nature (plants, animals)Marine organisms are also affected by the impacts of severe heat. Heat waves can occur in the surface waters of the ocean, sometimes leading to dramatic impacts on marine ecosystems. When coral reefs are subject to sea surface temperatures more than 1-2°C above average summer maximum temperatures, the corals can bleach and die. Bleaching events on the Great Barrier Reef have occurred repeatedly since the late 1970s when none were observed before 1970. Bleaching events have contributed to the decline in coral cover observed from 1985 to 2002. However, corals are not the only marine systems to be affected by heat waves. Mortality and reduced reproduction have also been observed in some marine species. Extreme heat affects each ecosystem differently, however, it may take a long time to recover after the heat wave or the ecosystems may never return to their original state.


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Effects on nature (plants, animals)Extreme heat have a negative impact on grain crops (maize, wheat, and soya) as well as fruit trees (apple, cherry, pear), and other plants. Many types of fruit trees can have difficulties and the heat wave may affect the quality of the fruit.


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Effects on nature (plants, animals)Extreme heat have a negative impact on grain crops (maize, wheat, and soya) as well as fruit trees (apple, cherry, pear), and other plants. Many types of fruit trees can have difficulties and the heat wave may affect the quality of the fruit.

It is now well known that many bumblebee species are threatened in Europe and in North America. Various thoughts have been presented to explain this regression. Some scientists say that many bumblebee species are disappearing due to synthetic fertilization. Since 2002, it was observed that, in a number of situations where local droughts and heat waves occurred in France, UK, Scandinavia, Turkey, it lead to very strong local reductions of the bumblebee’s fauna. As they are the most exposed to heat waves, they may be the most sensitive to this risk.


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The direct effect is through:•damage to the crop’s reproductive parts, responsible for producing grain, •reduce in productive potential.


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Indirectly, extreme temperatures increase:•plant water stress;•photosynthesis, which affects yield and grain quality, and stops functioning and plants may die.



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Indirectly, extreme temperatures increase:•plant water stress;•photosynthesis, which affects yield and grain quality, and stops functioning and plants may die.


High temperatures, especially when combined with high humidity and low air movement, can exceed the ability of livestock to cope, resulting in a loss of appetite, productivity, and sometimes death. Provision of shade can reduce heat stress, but not completely eliminate risk.


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Effects on wildfiresFire is a natural and beneficial part of many forest ecosystems, but the number and intensity of fires today is challenging fire managers and forest communities throughout the world. Longer fire seasons result as spring runoff occurs earlier, summer heat builds up more quickly and warm conditions extend further into autumn.


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Effects on wildfiresFire is a natural and beneficial part of many forest ecosystems, but the number and intensity of fires today is challenging fire managers and forest communities throughout the world. Longer fire seasons result as spring runoff occurs earlier, summer heat builds up more quickly and warm conditions extend further into autumn.Drier conditions will increase the probability of fires. Fire was once a healthy, natural part of our ecosystem, however climate change and other pressures are causing more intensified firestorms, bringing more damage and increasing risks to wildlife.


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Effects on wildfires

So, how is wildlife impacted by fires?


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So, how is wildlife impacted by fires?•Animals can't escape.


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So, how is wildlife impacted by fires?•Animals can't escape.•Their habitat is destroyed.


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So, how is wildlife impacted by fires?•Animals can't escape.•Their habitat is destroyed.•They undergo major stresses trying to recover.


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So, how is wildlife impacted by fires?•Animals can't escape.•Their habitat is destroyed.•They undergo major stresses trying to recover.•Bigger fires are changing the ecosystem balance.


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5 ways explained how catastrophic fires threaten wildlife:

1. No escape. For some animals, like newly hatched, downy nestlings that are unable to fly, there is simply no way to flee the fire. For others, escape routes can force wildlife across roads, putting them at greater risk of being hit by vehicles. This can lead to more serious accidents where people can also suffer.


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1. No escape. For some animals, like newly hatched, downy nestlings that are unable to fly, there is simply no way to flee the fire. For others, escape routes can force wildlife across roads, putting them at greater risk of being hit by vehicles. This can lead to more serious accidents where people can also suffer. 2. Habitat destruction. Massive wildlife fires in Western Europe and America, for example, are destroying forests, some of which can take 120 or more years to recover.


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1. No escape. For some animals, like newly hatched, downy nestlings that are unable to fly, there is simply no way to flee the fire. For others, escape routes can force wildlife across roads, putting them at greater risk of being hit by vehicles. This can lead to more serious accidents where people can also suffer.

3. Hotter, bigger and more frequent fires. The increasing number, size and intensity of wildfires is bringing very negative effects on wildlife. For example: very hot, long-burning fires damage soil and its structure. In this case the process of water evaporation is damaged – the water cannot easily evaporate through the soils and the amount of humidity is reduced. The whole ecosystem is affected.

2. Habitat destruction. Massive wildlife fires in Western Europe and America, for example, are destroying forests, some of which can take 120 or more years to recover.


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4. More stress. Catastrophic fires make it harder for wildlife to recover afterwards. They have to move longer distances to re-colonize burned areas. The burned soils have lost important nutrients after the fires so animals have to move longer distances in order to find some food.


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5 ways explained how catastrophic fires threaten wildlife: 5. Changing ecology.

Various species of pine bark beetles which cause the death of trees became more heat-resistant. Milder winters are allowing more beetles to survive and longer/warmer summers are allowing more generations per year, leading to exploding beetle populations. Entire forests are being destroyed. It can take many decades, even hundreds of years, for mature forests to return.

4. More stress. Catastrophic fires make it harder for wildlife to recover afterwards. They have to move longer distances to re-colonize burned areas. The burned soils have lost important nutrients after the fires so animals have to move longer distances in order to find some food.


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Part 1: PreventionHeat waves - Impact

THE MOST IMPORTANT HEATWAVES IN THE WORLD.

Here are the most important recorded heat waves in the history of the world.


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Video: Heat waves

Using a new 3 dimensional visualization tool developed at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Climate Model Data Service (CDS), scientists are able to better examine the patterns of heat waves.This science story spotlights the UV-CDAT (Ultrascale Visualization Climate Data Analysis Tool) and explores how climatologists are utilizing it to investigate the space and time extent of these potentially catastrophic weather events.


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1. Marble Bar heatwave, 1923-1924.

The world record for the longest sequence of days above 100◦ Fahrenheit (or 37.8◦ on the Celsius scale) is held by Marble Bar in the inland Pilbara district of Western Australia. The temperature, measured under standard exposure conditions, reached or exceeded the century mark every day from 31st October 1923 to 7th April 1924, a total of 160 days.


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2. The “Dust Bowl” years of 1930-1936.

Some of the hottest summers on record to the United States. Nationally, around 5000 deaths were associated with the heat wave. What lead to the ”Dust Bowl“? 1) The lack of rain that parched the earth and killed vegetation;2) poor land management.


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3. The famous summer of ’76 in the UK.

It was a period of nine weeks, the weather was consistently dry, sunny and hot. It should also be remembered that the summer of 1976 marked the culmination of a prolonged drought which began in April, 1975.


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4. Europe, 2003.

More than 20 000 people died after a record-breaking heat wave left Europe sweltering in August 2003. The period of extreme heat is thought to be the warmest for up to 500 years, and many European countries experienced their highest temperatures on record.How Bad Was The Deadliest Heat Wave Ever?


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5. Lithuania, 2006.

Extreme heat caused wildlife in Kuršių Nerija, on the Curonian Spit, it‘s National park. At that time 236 hectares of the National park burned away in just five days. More wildfires occurred shortly after the 2006 fire. The soil was damaged and is not as heat-resistant as it was before. Even today the whole area is not yet replanted.


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Adults - Heatwaves - Prevention

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