Hobbies And Interests
Health Effects
A heat wave poses a serious health risk for many members of the community. The elderly, small children and people with health problems are at risk of heat stroke and dehydration. Long periods of high heat can be deadly. More people have died from the effects of heat since 1992 than from floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and lightning combined, according to the University Center for Atmospheric Research.
Because urban areas absorb heat more readily than suburban or rural areas, city dwellers are at greater risk from extended heat waves. The elderly and many in inner-city areas may not have access to air conditioning to protect them from the heat. Stagnant air traps pollutants and ozone which pose an increased health risk to asthmatics and people with respiratory conditions.
Damage to Infrastructure
Long periods of extended heat can also have a negative impact on elements of the infrastructure. The asphalt in roads and streets can soften and crack during periods of high temperatures. Concrete streets and highways have been known to shatter explosively from periods of excess heat, according to Colorado State University.
Long periods of high temperature can affect power transmission because the hot power lines can sag and short-circuit causing power blackouts. Heat waves cause excessive demand for energy due to increased use of air conditioning. The increased demand can lead to loss of power in high demand areas of the country such as the West Coast and the cities on the eastern seaboard.
Economic Effects
Heat waves can have a serious impact on the economy. The cost of electric power, food, and water can all increase during prolonged periods of high temperature. More water is used for cooling bridges and buildings to prevent structural failure. This impacts the supply and cost of water in many areas because the supply is already limited due to the lack of rain during a heat wave.
The agricultural sector is especially vulnerable during a heat wave. A prolonged heat wave can cause the death of livestock animals and make for inferior crop yields. Decreased crop yields combined with increased irrigation and animal-watering costs will drive up food prices.
Ecological Impacts
Heat waves are just as hard on Mother Nature as on people. During an extended heat wave the plants and animals suffer from lack of food, water and shelter. During a heat wave algae growth rates increase, which lowers the oxygen content of the water. The reduced oxygen level combined with heat stress can lead to large scale mortality in wild fish.
Drought conditions from a heat wave increase the occurrence of wildfires. Wildfire kills many animals and destroys the vegetation they use for food and covering shelter. Continued heat wave conditions can also cause plants to fail from lack of rain.