By raising the temperature of a region by at least 20 degrees above the normal high temperatures for that time of year. Summer sunshine might persist into autumn for instance. If kept up, the weather patterns will change, so that winds and snow come unpredictably. As the world heats more, the equator becomes uninhabitable desert, and woodlands become tropical jungles with humid air and buzzing flies. As the world heats, it becomes unrecognizable. The light changes. Tropical animals are seen in formerly temperate regions. Some crops no longer grow. Social customs change to suit the heat: the midday sun is no longer safe; clothing is selected to ward off heat; buildings must be adapted to repel the sun. As lands become uninhabitable, populations flee north. Fires burn unchecked. As the heat pushes people farther and farther north, there is less land and resources to share. Gradually, by attrition, people die. At the last, only a few remain, waiting for their death in turn.
A heat wave is a prolonged period of unusually hot weather, often accompanied by high humidity. It occurs when high pressure systems trap hot air near the surface, leading to a significant increase in temperature. In some cases, a heat wave may cause the temperature to rise by 20 degrees Fahrenheit or more above the normal high for that time of year. The impacts of a heat wave can be severe, with potential consequences including changes in weather patterns, loss of certain crops, and alterations in social customs. Heat waves can also lead to a range of health problems, as the high temperatures and humidity can be dangerous for vulnerable populations, such as young children and the elderly. In extreme cases, a heat wave can even cause fatalities. As the planet continues to warm due to climate change, heat waves are expected to become more frequent and intense, posing a significant threat to human health and well-being.Â