A heat wave is a period of high heat and humidity with sustained temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two days. 

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), heat was the leading cause of weather-related deaths in 2022 with over 380 fatalities. This is largely because of the physical effects sustained heat can have on your body. These effects can include severe dehydration, headaches, dizziness, increased heartrate, heat exhaustion, and many other harmful symptoms that may lead to serious injury (or worse).

Asides from the dangers of heat itself, there may be significant impacts on the electrical grid in your area as everyone increases their electricity usage (due to staying indoors, using the air conditioner, etc.). Depending on your utility provider, an unsustainable amount of usage can result in a power outage (planned or unintentional). To learn more about what you can do to prepare for an outage in your area, click here for some preparedness tips!

Thankfully, heat waves can be predicted well in advance, and the NWS will always provide detailed information through official announcements if your area is expected to experience a heat wave. Below, you will see some examples of different graphics that the NWS may publish that you should look out for if you hear about a possible heat wave coming through your area.