In cities, hot weather can create the “Urban Heat Island” effect when pavement, driveways, and other surfaces trap heat and intensify hot weather events. Solar energy absorbed by roads and rooftops can cause the surface temperature of urban structures to become 50 – 70 °F higher than the ambient air temperatures. Heat waves can trap pollutants in cities and cause health problems, such as heat exhaustion.
Viewer Tip: Take heat seriously! Sensitive individuals, such as the elderly and small children, can be particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses, and everyone can take simple precautions to beat the heat. Drink plenty of water and dress in light-weight clothing to keep cool, and reschedule strenuous activities (such as outdoor sports) for a cooler day. Check on elderly and disabled relatives, neighbors, and friends, and try to spend time in air-conditioned places, which can help to reduce the dangers from heat.
Season: Summer
(Source: NOAA. “Heat Wave: A Major Summer Killer.” http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/heatwave.pdf; Taha, Akbari & Sailor, 1992)
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