Heat Waves & Cold Waves in the US Quiz
Extreme temperature events (10 questions).
Heat Waves & Cold Waves in the US Quiz: Quick Study Notes
Explore the dynamics of extreme temperature events in the United States, from the stifling heat of Death Valley to the frigid blasts of the Polar Vortex. Understanding these phenomena is crucial for safety and meteorological literacy.
Key Takeaways
- Heat is statistically the number one weather-related killer in the US over the last 30 years.
- The Dust Bowl of the 1930s represents the most severe period of heat and drought in US history.
- Wind Chill measures the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by wind and cold.
- Death Valley, CA, holds the world record for the highest reliably recorded air temperature (134°F/56.7°C).
- Cold waves in the US are frequently associated with a displaced Polar Vortex or Jet Stream dip.
What generally defines a heat wave?
The National Weather Service generally defines a heat wave as a period of abnormally hot weather lasting two or more days. The exact temperature criteria vary by location.
What is a “heat dome”?
A heat dome occurs when the atmosphere traps hot ocean air like a lid or cap. A strong high-pressure system pushes air down, compressing it and making it hotter.
Why are cities hotter than rural areas?
Known as the “Urban Heat Island” effect, cities are hotter because buildings, roads, and other infrastructure absorb and re-emit the sun’s heat more than natural landscapes like forests and bodies of water.
What makes the Polar Vortex dangerous?
When the Polar Vortex is disrupted, it can send blasts of Arctic air southward into the continental US, causing temperatures to plummet dangerously low in a very short time.
Where is the hottest place in the US?
Death Valley in California is the hottest place in the US and holds the record for the highest air temperature ever reliably recorded on Earth.
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