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A heat wave is a LOLOLOLOLOLROFLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLMAOROFLOLOLOLCOPTERHOMOROFLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL A PATRICK AND RILEY PRODUCTION, BISH. Can i have your attention please. ROFLCOPTER, That is all. Thank you

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 [[Image:Canicule Europe 2003.jpg|right|thumb|Temperature difference in Europe from the average during the [[2003 European heat wave|European heat wave of 2003]]]]
+A '''heat wave''' is a LOLOLOLOLOLROFLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLMAOROFLOLOLOLCOPTERHOMOROFLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL A PATRICK AND RILEY PRODUCTION, BISH. Can i have your attention please. ROFLCOPTER, That is all. Thank you
-A '''heat wave''' is a LOLOLOLOLOLROFLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLMAOROFLOLOLOLCOPTERHOMOROFLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL A PATRICK AND RILEY PRODUCTION, BISH. P.S Katie is a babe<ref name="sciencemag">{{cite journal |last=Meehl |first=George A. |coauthors=Tebaldi, Claudia |title=More Intense, More Frequent, and Longer Lasting Heat Waves in the 21st Century |journal=[[Science (journal)|Science]] |date=2004-08-13 |volume=305 |issue=5686 |url=http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/305/5686/994 |pmid=15310900 |doi=10.1126/science.1098704 |pages=994 }}</ref> the term is relative to the usual weather in the area. Temperatures that people from a hotter climate consider normal can be termed a heat wave in a cooler area if they are outside the normal [[climate]] pattern for that area.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Robinson |first=Peter J. |title=On the Definition of a Heat Wave |journal=[[Journal of Applied Meteorology]] |month=April | volume=40 |issue=4 |pages=762–775 |publisher=[[American Meteorological Society]] |url=http://ams.allenpress.com/amsonline/?request=get-abstract&doi=10.1175%2F1520-0450(2001)040%3C0762:OTDOAH%3E2.0.CO%3B2 |year=2001 |doi=10.1175/1520-0450(2001)040<0762:OTDOAH>2.0.CO;2 }}</ref>
-The term is applied both to routine weather variations and to extraordinary spells of heat which may occur only once a century. Severe heat waves have caused catastrophic crop failures, thousands of deaths from [[hyperthermia]], and widespread [[power outage]]s due to increased use of [[air conditioning]].
-==Definitions==
-[[Image:Temperature anomalies 2007.gif|thumb|right|Temperature [[anomalies]], March to May, 2007]]The definition recommended by the [[World Meteorological Organization]] is when the daily maximum temperature of more than five consecutive days exceeds the average maximum temperature by 5&nbsp;°C (9&nbsp;°F), the normal period being 1961 - 1990.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Frich |first= A.|coauthors=L.V. Alexander, P. Della-Marta, B. Gleason, M. Haylock, A.M.G. Klein Tank, and T. Peterson |year=2002 |month=January |title=Observed coherent changes in climatic extremes during the second half of the twentieth century |journal=Climate Research |volume= 19 |pages=193–212 |url=http://cccma.seos.uvic.ca/ETCCDMI/docs/Frichetal02.pdf |doi=10.3354/cr019193|format=PDF}}</ref>
-A formal, [[peer review|peer-reviewed]] definition from the ''Glossary of Meteorology'' is:<ref name="Glossary of Meteorology"><{{cite book |last=Glickman |first=Todd S. |title=Glossary of Meteorology |publisher=[[American Meteorological Society]] |month=June | year=2000 |location=Boston |url=http://amsglossary.allenpress.com/glossary }}</ref>
-: A period of abnormally and uncomfortably hot and usually humid weather.
-:: To be a heat wave such a period should last at least one day, but conventionally it lasts from several days to several weeks. In 1900, A. T. Burrows more rigidly defined a “hot wave” as a spell of three or more days on each of which the maximum shade temperature reaches or exceeds {{convert|90|°F|°C|abbr=on}}. More realistically, the comfort criteria for any one region are dependent upon the normal conditions of that region.
-A [[heat storm]] is an extended heat wave. Heat storms occur when the temperature reaches 100 °F (38 °C) for three or more consecutive days over a wide area (tens of thousands of square miles).
-In the [[Netherlands]], a heat wave is defined as period of at least 5 consecutive days in which the maximum temperature in [[De Bilt]] exceeds 25 °C (77 °F), provided that on at least 3 days in this period the maximum temperature in De Bilt exceeds 30 °C (86 °F).[http://www.knmi.nl/VinkCMS/explained_subject_detail.jsp?id=3777].  This definition of a heat wave is also used in [[Belgium]] and [[Luxembourg]].
-In [[Denmark]] a heat wave is defined as a period of at least 3 consecutive days of which period the average maximum temperature across more than fifty percent of the country exceeds 28 °C.
-In the [[United States]], definitions also vary by region; however, a heat wave is usually defined as a period of at least three consecutive days above 90 °F (32.2 °C).[http://www.weather.gov/glossary/index.php?word=heat+wave]  The [[National Weather Service]] criterion for the issuance of a [[heat advisory]] is when the [[heat index]] is expected to (or does) reach 105 °F (40.6 °C) with a nighttime low temperature not below 80 °F (26.7 °C), whereas an [[excessive heat warning]] is issued when a maximum heat index exceeding 115 °F (46.1 °C) with minimum 80 °F (26.7 °C) is expected (or is occurring).
-==Incidence==
-Heat waves often occur during the [[Dog Days]] of summer; indeed the [[French language|French]] term ''canicule'', denoting the general phenomenon of a heat wave, derives from the [[Italian language|Italian]] ''canicula'' applied to the star [[Sirius]], also known as the "Dog Star."<ref>{{cite web |title=Canicule - definitionfō |work=About.com |url=http://frenchfood.about.com/library/blcanicule.htm |accessdate=2006-07-27
-}}</ref>
-Some regions of the [[earth|globe]] are more susceptible to heat waves than others, such as [[Mediterranean climate|Mediterranean]]-type climates with a summer dry spell which becomes much hotter than usual during certain years.{{Fact|date=February 2007}}
-==How they occur==
-In the summer in warm climates, if there is an area of high pressure with little or no rain and clouds, there is nothing to protect the air and ground from being heated excessively.  When large high pressure air is trapped, the ground and air will continue to heat and the heat wave will last longer.
-The position of the [[jet stream]] is very important because the air on one side is hot while the other side is cold.  Heat waves are far more likely and more severe when you are on the hot side.  Sometimes the jet stream does not move far enough to make many areas that normally get hot on the hot side; but sometimes many cold areas are made hot abnormally.
-The effects of [[El Niño-Southern Oscillation|El Niño]] and La Niña (opposite reaction to El Niño) can severely disrupt the positions of the jet streams.
-[[Image:Affiche canicule Paris plstaugustin 27082003.JPG|thumb|right|City annoucement in [[Paris]] after the [[2003 European heat wave]]]]Large desert zones and dry areas are more likely to get extreme heat because there is rarely any high cloud cover with very low humidity, making it like a furnace.
-The direction of the wind is a very important part of the reasons for heat waves, because this pushes hot air towards colder areas if they are going away from the deserts and equator.
-The higher the force of the wind as well as the distance they travel from the hotter to colder areas, generally means hotter weather.
-Cities also get hotter because they generate heat from the use of power, usually by about 1-2 °C or so and experience very warm night time minimum temperatures putting further strain on energy demands.
-[[Humidity]] also has a serious effect on how hot it feels but this does not make the actual [[temperature]] any hotter. Heat Waves in Eastern [[North America]] and [[North Western Europe]] are usually accompanied by high humidity, aggravating the heat index (one's discomfort), as opposed to the drier heat typically experienced during heat waves in continental [[Europe]], Western [[North America]] or cities in [[Australia]].
-Perhaps the most well-known heat-related illness is [[hyperthermia]], also known as heat stroke. Classic heat stroke occurs during periods of sustained high temperature and humidity. Sweating is absent from 84%-100% of those affected. Older adults, very young children, and those who are sick or overweight are at a higher risk for heat-related illness. The chronically ill and elderly are often taking prescription medications (e.g., [[diuretic]]s, [[anticholinergic]]s, [[antipsychotic]]s, and [[antihypertensive]]s) that interfere with the body's ability to dissipate heat.<ref name=fema>{{cite web |title=Extreme Heat |work=FEMA:Are You Ready? |url=http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/heat.shtm |accessdate=2006-07-27 }}</ref>
-Heat [[edema]] presents as a transient swelling of the hands, feet, and ankles and is generally secondary to increased [[aldosterone]] [[secretion]], which enhances water retention. When combined with peripheral vasodilation and [[vein|venous]] [[stasis (medicine)|stasis]], the excess fluid accumulates in the dependent areas of the extremities. The heat edema usually resolves within several days after the patient becomes acclimated to the warmer environment. No treatment is required, although wearing support stocking and elevating the affected legs with help minimize the edema.
-[[miliaria|Heat rash]], also known as prickly heat, is a [[maculopapular rash]] accompanied by acute [[inflammation]] and blocked sweat ducts. The sweat ducts may become dilated and may eventually rupture, producing small pruritic vesicles on an [[erythema]]tous base. Heat rash affects areas of the body covered by tight clothing. If this continues for a duration of time it can lead to the development of chronic [[dermatitis]] or a secondary [[bacteria]]l [[infection]]. Prevention is the best therapy. It is also advised to wear loose-fitting clothing in the heat. However, once heat rash has developed, the initial treatment involves the application of [[chlorhexidine]] [[lotion]] to remove any [[desquamation|desquamated]] skin. The associated itching may be treated with topical or systemic antihistamines. If infection occurs a regimen of [[antibiotic]]s is required.
-[[Image:Summer 1936 US Temperature.gif|thumb|right|The [[1936 North American heat wave]]. Record temperatures were based on 112 year records]][[Heat cramps]] are painful, often severe, involuntary [[spasm]]s of the large muscle groups used in strenuous exercise. Heat cramps tend to occur after intense exertion. They usually develop in people performing heavy exercise while sweating profusely and replenishing fluid loss with non-electrolyte containing water. This is believed to lead to [[hyponatremia]] that induces cramping in stressed muscles. [[Rehydration]] with salt-containing fluids provides rapid relief. Patients with mild cramps can be given oral .2% salt solutions, while those with severe cramps require [[intravenous therapy|IV]] [[isotonic]] fluids. The many [[sport drink]]s on the market are a good source of [[electrolyte]]s and are readily accessible.
-[[Heat syncope]] is related to heat exposure that produces [[orthostatic hypotension]]. This hypotension can precipitate a near-syncopal episode. Heat syncope is believed to result from intense sweating, which leads to [[dehydration]], followed by peripheral vasodilation and reduced venous blood return in the face of decreased vasomotor control. Management of heat syncope consists of cooling and rehydration of the patient using [[oral rehydration therapy]] (sport drinks) or isotonic IV fluids. People who experience heat syncope should avoid standing in the heat for long periods of time. They should move to a cooler environment and lie down if they recognize the initial symptoms. Wearing support stockings and engaging in deep knee-bending movements can help promote venous blood return.
-Heat exhaustion is considered by experts to be the forerunner of heat stroke ([[hyperthermia]]). It may even resemble heat stroke, with the difference being that the neurologic function remains intact. Heat exhaustion is marked by excessive dehydration and electrolyte depletion. Symptoms may include [[headache]], [[nausea]], and [[vomiting]], [[dizziness]], [[tachycardia]], [[malaise]], and [[myalgia]]. Definitive therapy includes removing patients from the heat and replenishing their fluids. Most patients will require fluid replacement with IV isotonic fluids at first. The salt content is adjusted as necessary once the electrolyte levels are known. After discharge from the hospital, patients are instructed to rest, drink plenty of fluids for 2 - 3 hours, and avoid the heat for several days. If this advice is not followed it may then lead to heat stroke.
-One public health measure taken during heat waves is the setting-up of [[air-conditioning|air-conditioned]] public [[cooling center]]s.
-==== Mortality ====
-[[Image:Amanda Françozo At The Runner Sports-3.jpg|thumb|right|Intense [[perspiration]] can be a sign of excess heat exposure]]Heat waves are the most lethal type of weather phenomenon, overall. Between 1992 and 2001, deaths from excessive heat in the United States numbered 2,190, compared with 880 deaths from [[flood]]s and 150 from [[Tropical cyclone|hurricanes]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Hot Weather Tips and the Chicago Heat Plan |work=About.com |url=http://chicago.about.com/library/blank/bl_hot_weather_tips.htm |accessdate=2006-07-27 }}</ref>  The average annual number of fatalities directly attributed to heat in the United States is about 400.<ref name="heat epidemiology">{{cite journal |last=Basu |first=Rupa |coauthors=Jonathan M. Samet |title=Relation between Elevated Ambient Temperature and Mortality: A Review of the Epidemiologic Evidence |journal=[[Epidemiologic Reviews]] |volume=24 |issue=2 |pages=190–202 |publisher=[[Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health]] |year=2002 |url=http://epirev.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/extract/24/2/190 |doi=10.1093/epirev/mxf007 |pmid=12762092 }}</ref> The [[1995 Chicago heat wave]], one of the worst in US history, led to approximately 600 heat-related deaths over a period of five days.<ref>''[http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/abstract/129/3/173 Near-Fatal Heat Stroke during the 1995 Heat Wave in Chicago]''. ''Annals of Internal Medicine'' Vol. 129 Issue 3</ref> Eric Klinenberg, has noted that in the [[United States]], the loss of human life in hot spells in summer exceeds that caused by all other weather events combined, including [[lightning]], [[rainstorm|rain]], [[flood]]s, [[hurricane]]s, and [[tornado]]es.<ref name="Klinenberg">{{cite book
- | last = Klinenberg
- | first = Eric
- | title = Heat Wave: A Social Autopsy of Disaster in Chicago
- | url = http://www.press.uchicago.edu/Misc/Chicago/443213in.html
- | year = 2002
- | publisher = Chicago University Press
- | location = Chicago, IL
- }}</ref><ref name="slate">''[http://slate.com/id/2068612/ Dead Heat: Why don't Americans sweat over heat-wave deaths?]'' By Eric Klinenberg. Slate.com. Posted Tuesday, July 30, 2002</ref>
-Despite the dangers, Scott Sheridan, professor of geography at Kent State University, found that less than half of people 65 and older abide by heat-emergency recommendations like drinking lots of water.  In his study of heat-wave behavior, focusing particularly on seniors in Philadelphia, Phoenix, Toronto, and Dayton, Ohio, he found that people over 65 "don't consider themselves seniors." "Heat doesn't bother me much, but I worry about my neighbors," said one of his older respondents.<ref name="time">''[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1229102,00.html Floods, Tornadoes, Hurricanes, Wildfires, Earthquakes... Why We Don't Prepare]'' By Amanda Ripley. Time. August 28, 2006.</ref>  According to the Agency for Health care Research and Quality, about 6,200 Americans are hospitalized each summer due to excessive heat, and those at highest risk are poor, uninsured or elderly.<ref>[http://newswise.com/articles/view/542519/ Most People Struck Down by Summer Heat Are Poor] Newswise, Retrieved on July 9, 2008.</ref>
-; Underreporting and "Harvesting" effect
-The number of heat fatalities is likely highly underreported due to lack of reports and misreports.<ref name="heat epidemiology"/>  Part of the mortality observed during a heat wave, however, can be attributed to a so-called "[[Mortality displacement|harvesting effect]]", a term for a ''short-term forward mortality displacement''.  It has been observed that for some heat waves, there is a compensatory decrease in overall mortality during the subsequent weeks after a heat wave.  Such compensatory reduction in mortality suggests that heat affects especially those so ill that they "would have died in the short term anyway".<ref name="">{{cite journal |last=Huygens |first=Maud M.T.E. |coauthors=Pim Martens, Dieneke Scram, Matty P. Weinberg, and Anton E. Kunst |title =The Impact of Heat Waves and Cold Spells on Mortality Rates in the Dutch Population |journal=[[Environmental Health Perspectives]] |volume=109 |issue=5 |pages=463–470 |publisher=[[National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences]] |month=May | year=2001 |url=http://www.ehponline.org/docs/2001/109p463-470huynen/abstract.html |doi =10.2307/3454704 }}</ref>
-===Psychological and sociological effects===
-In addition to physical [[Stress (medicine)|stress]], excessive heat causes psychological stress, to a degree which affects employee performance, and is also associated with an increase in violent crime.<ref name="heat and stress">{{cite journal |last=Simister |first=John |coauthors=Cary Cooper |title=Thermal stress in the U.S.A.: effects on violence and on employee behaviour |journal=[[Stress and Health]] |volume=21 |issue=1 |pages=3–15 |publisher=[[International Society for the Investigation of Stress]] |month=October | year=2004 |url=http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/109716549/ABSTRACT?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0 |doi=10.1002/smi.1029 }}</ref>
-===Power outage===
-Heat waves often lead to [[electricity]] spikes due to increased [[air conditioning]] use, which can create [[power outage]]s, exacerbating the problem. During the [[2006 North American heat wave]], thousands of [[home]]s and [[business]]es went without power, especially in [[California]]. In [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]], electrical [[transformer]]s failed, leaving thousands without power for as long as five days.<ref>{{cite news |last=Doan |first=Lynn |coauthors=Covarrubias, Amanda |title=Heat Eases, but Thousands of Southern Californians Still Lack Power |publisher=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=2006-07-27 |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-heat27jul27,1,4111447.story |accessdate=2008-07-28 }}</ref>
-===Wildfires===
-If a heat wave occurs during a [[drought]], which dries out vegetation, it can contribute to [[wildfire]]s. During the disastrous heat wave that [[European heat wave of 2003|struck Europe in 2003]], fires raged through [[Portugal]], destroying over 3010&nbsp;km² (740,000&nbsp;acres) of [[forest]] and 440&nbsp;km² (108,000&nbsp;acres) of agricultural land and causing an estimated [[euro|€]]1&nbsp;billion worth of damage.
-<ref>{{cite news |last=Bell |first=M. |coauthors=A. Giannini, E. Grover, M. Hopp, B. Lyon, A. Seth |title=Climate Impacts |work=IRI Climate Digest |publisher=[[The Earth Institute]] |date=September 2003 |url=http://iri.columbia.edu/climate/cid/Sep2003/impacts.html |accessdate=2006-07-28 }}</ref>  High end [[Farmland (farming)|farmland]]s have irrigation systems to back up [[Crop (agriculture)|crop]]s with.
-===Physical damage===
-Heatwaves can and do cause roads, highways to buckle, water lines to burst, power transformers to detonate, causing fires. See the [[2006 North American heat wave]] article about heatwaves causing physical damage.
-==History==
-During 1988 extremely intense [[heat spells]] accompanied by the [[Drought of 1988]] caused deadly results across the [[United States]]. Almost 5,000 to 10,000&nbsp;people perished because of constant heat across the United States although-according to many estimates-total death reports run as high as next to 17000 deaths.<ref>{{cite web |title=Billion Dollar U.S. Weather Disasters |publisher=National Climatic Data Center |url=http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/reports/billionz.html |accessdate=2008-07-14
-}}</ref>
-During 1983 temperatures over 100&nbsp;degrees were common across [[Iowa]], [[Missouri]], [[Illinois]],[[Michigan]], portions of [[Wisconsin]], [[Indiana]] and even [[Nebraska]]. The hundred-degree readings were accompanied by very dry conditions connected by drought affecting the [[Corn Belt States]] and [[Upper Midwest]]. The death toll was catastrophic and highly staggering. New York Times represented articles about the [[Heat Spell of 1983]] affecting the [[Central United States]] Region.
-The [[2003 European heat wave|European heat wave of 2003]] killed around 35,000&nbsp;people. Much of the heat was concentrated in France, where nearly 15,000&nbsp;people died {{Fact|date=March 2008}}.
-The [[Heat Waves of 1972]] in New York decimated the area and stole many lives. Ninety degree temperatures-and in some cases one hundred and greater-affected the [[Northeastern United States]] in 1972. Almost 900&nbsp;people perished, the heat conditions lasted almost 16&nbsp;days.
-The [[European heat wave of 2006]] was the second massive heat wave to hit the continent in 4 years, with temperatures rising to 40&nbsp;°C (104&nbsp;°F) in [[Paris]] and even [[Ireland]], which has a moderate maritime climate, reporting temperatures of over 32C (90&nbsp;°F). Temperatures of 35&nbsp;°C (95&nbsp;°F) were reached in the [[Benelux]] and [[Germany]], while the [[United Kingdom]] recorded {{convert|37|°C|°F|abbr=on}}. Many heat records were broken (including the hottest ever July temperature in the [[UK]]) and many people who experienced the heat waves of 1976 and 2003 drew comparisons with them.
-[[The Heat Waves of 1999]] dominated states in the [[Northeast United States]] and other areas. Between 500-700 were killed because of blistering spells of scorching heat all over the United States.
-In early 2006, [[Adelaide]], [[South Australia]] was hit by a dry heat wave with temperatures reaching 40+ °C for five days in a row, while [[Port Augusta]] experienced temperatures hovering around about mid 40s °C (mid 110s°F) with one day recorded at approx {{convert|48|°C|°F|abbr=on}}. Also in [[Sydney]] it reached {{convert|44.2|°C|°F|abbr=on}} on the first day of 2006<ref>{{cite web | title = 3rd warmest summer on record for Sydney | publisher = [[Bureau of Meteorology]] | date = [[2006-03-01]] | url = http://www.bom.gov.au/announcements/media_releases/nsw/20060301.shtml | accessdate = 2008-04-24 }}</ref>.
-[[Image:Firestarazagora.jpg|thumb|right|The [[2007 Bulgarian heat wave]] triggered [[wildfires]] leading to a [[state of emergency]] being declared in three southern towns]]In July 2006, the United States experienced a [[2006 North American heat wave|massive heat wave]], and almost all parts of the country had recorded temperatures above the average temperature for that time of year.  Temperatures in some parts of South Dakota exceeded 115&nbsp;°F (46&nbsp;°C), causing many problems for the residents.  Also, California experienced temperatures that were extraordinarily high, with records ranging from 100 to 130&nbsp;°F (38 to 54&nbsp;°C).  On July 22, the [[Los Angeles County, California|County of Los Angeles]] recorded its highest temperature ever at 119&nbsp;°F (48.33&nbsp;°C). <ref>{{cite news |last=Pool |first=Bob |title=In Woodland Hills, It's Just Too Darn Hot |publisher=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=2006-07-26 |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-hottest26jul26,1,7920748.story |accessdate=2006-07-28
-}}</ref>
-The [[2007 European heat wave]] affected primarily Southeastern Europe during late June through August. Bulgaria experienced its [[2007 Bulgarian heat wave|hottest year on record]], with previously unrecorded temperatures above {{convert|45|°C|°F|abbr=on}}. The [[2007 Greek forest fires]] were associated with the heatwave.
-During the [[2007 Asian heat wave]], the Indian city of [[Datia]] experienced temperatures of {{convert|48|°C|°F|abbr=on}}.
-In January 2008, [[Alice Springs]] in Australia's [[Northern Territory]] recorded ten consecutive days of temperatures above {{convert|40|°C|°F|abbr=on}} with the average temperature for that month being {{convert|39.8|°C|°F|abbr=on}}. In March 2008, Adelaide, [[South Australia]] experienced maximum temperatures of above {{convert|35|°C|°F|abbr=on}} for fifteen consecutive days, seven days more than the previous longest stretch of {{convert|35|°C|°F|abbr=on}} days.  The March 2008 heat wave also included eleven consecutive days above {{convert|38|°C|°F|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite web | title = Adelaide, South Australia March 2008 Daily Weather Observations | publisher = [[Bureau of Meteorology]] | date = [[2008-04-21]] | url = http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/200803/html/IDCJDW5002.200803.shtml | accessdate = 2008-04-24 }}</ref>.  The heat wave was especially notable because it occurred in March, an autumn month, in which Adelaide averages only 2.3&nbsp;days above {{convert|35|°C|°F|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite web | title = Climate statistics for Australian locations | publisher = [[Bureau of Meteorology]] | date = [[2008-04-23]] | url = http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_023090_All.shtml | accessdate = 2008-04-24 }}</ref>.
-Eastern United States experienced an early Summer heatwave during June 6-10, 2008 with record temperatures.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/11/nyregion/11heat.html?_r=1&fta=y&oref=slogin], [http://nws.met.psu.edu/severe/2008/09Jun2008.pdf].</ref> There was a heat wave in Southern California beginning late June<ref>[http://www.usatoday.com/weather/news/2008-06-19-socal-heat-wave_N.htm Heat wave continues to blister SoCal], USA Today, June 19, 2008.</ref>, which contributed to wide-spread fires. On July 6th, a renewed heatwave was forecast, which was expected to affect the entire state.<ref>[http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/07/06/Heat_wave_coming_to_scorched_California/UPI-13351215345710/ Heat wave coming to scorched California], UPI.com</ref><ref>[http://cbs5.com/local/bay.area.heat.2.765444.html Bay Area Braces For 'Scorchers' As Temps Rise], cbs5.com, July 7th, 2008.</ref>
-During July 2008, Japan has suffered from a severe heat wave.<ref>[http://mdn.mainichi.jp/national/news/20080722p2a00m0na004000c.html Japan sizzles under heat wave], Mainnichi News, July 22, 2008.</ref>
-The record for the longest heatwave in the world is generally accepted to have been set at [[Marble Bar]] in Australia, where from October 31, 1923 to April 07, 1924 the temperature broke the 37.8&nbsp;°C/100&nbsp;°F benchmark, setting the heat wave record at a scorching 160&nbsp;days.
-==See also==
-* [[:Category:Heat waves|List of heat waves]]
-* [[2008 Southern US Heat wave]]
-== Notes ==
-{{reflist|2}}
-* {{cite book |last=Klinenberg |first=Eric |authorlink=Eric Klinenberg |title=Heat Wave: A Social Autopsy of Disaster in Chicago |year=2002 |publisher=[[University of Chicago Press]] |location=Chicago |isbn=0226443213 }}
-==External links==
-*[http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/heat.shtm FEMA: Extreme Heat]
-*[http://chicago.about.com/library/blank/bl_hot_weather_tips.htm Hot Weather Tips]
-*[http://www.bom.gov.au/lam/climate/levelthree/c20thc/temp1.htm Marble Bar heatwave, 1923-1924]
-*[http://www.vicasting.com/contents.aspx/pid/7119/ WeatherBug Weather Wrap]
-*[http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/esb/?goal=climate&file=events/temp/ Social & Economic Costs of Temperature Extremes] from "NOAA Socioeconomics" website initiative
-[[Category:Weather hazards]]
-[[Category:Heat waves| ]]
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