DROUGHT / HEAT WAVE DEFINITIONS: There is no precise definition to the term drought. The term drought is subjective. It is one of those words that you know when one is happening if it is intense, but it is difficult to put into terms that are applicable to all people. Here are a few ways that drought can be described: 1) Below normal precipitation for several months 2) Agriculture has insufficient supply of precipitation 3) Economy is suffering from a temporary shortage of water A heat wave is a meteorological condition in which hot temperatures, often combined with high dewpoints, produces a large heat index value that exists from days to weeks. Heat waves are often associated with blocking patterns in the atmosphere. A heat wave puts an extreme stress on outdoor activities, those without air-conditioning, and vegetation. Heat waves are often accompanied by "drought-like" conditions ADVISORIES: HEAT ADVISORY- Daytime temperature and dewpoint will push heat index values into the danger category. PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM THE HEAT OUTSIDE: 1. Try to stay inside, especially during the heat of the day. When you do go outside, reduce the level of strenuous activity 2. Drink plenty of water even when you do not feel thirsty 3. Eat light and healthy meals 4. Dress in white loose clothing 5. Be careful about taking substances that cause dehydration such as alcohol and caffeine 6. Try to stay out of direct sunlight. Shady places with a breeze will be much more comfortable 7. Splash yourself with cool water. This helps lower your skin temperature 8. Go into an air-conditioned building to take breaks, especially during the middle of the day 9. Know the risk you have for your body type and lifestyle. At greatest risk during a heat wave are the elderly, children, the overweight, the sick, those with pre-existing health problems and those that exert themselves during outside activities 10. Keep an optimistic attitude Other advice: 1. Water plants at night. At night, less water will be lost to evaporation 2. Do not leave pets or children in cars, even if windows are down 3. Leave windows in cars cracked open to prevent large build-up of heat inside car 4. There is no need to have air-conditioning on at a high rate when no one is home 5. Limit the entrainment of outside air coming into the house HEAT WAVE MISCONCEPTIONS: 1. A heat wave does NOT mean global warming is occurring. Heat waves are as natural as any other synoptic weather event. 2. Sweating is NOT always able to sufficiently cool the body. When the humidity and temperature are both high, evaporation is slow. Since evaporation is the cooling process that is needed to cool the skin, a high humidity reduces the potency of cooling from sweat. The sweating process is also reduced if the body is lacking sufficient fluid or the skin is covered with clothing that impedes the evaporation process. |