This summer, relax and learn with Do You Really Know! It's time to learn all about the concepts, words and expressions that surround the summer season!

What is a heatwave?

We’re experiencing more intense and frequent heatwaves than ever before, and it’s one of the most tangible effects of climate change. These summer periods of extreme heat are a threat to the elderly, children and the poor. To meet the World Meteorological Organization’s definition of a heatwave, the period must last 5 days or longer. The daily maximum temperature must also be at least 5° higher than the average maximum temperature. This means the requirements can vary by region. Some nations have their own definition of a heatwave. For example, the UK’s Met Office uses a system called Heat Health Watch. To determine whether a heatwave is occurring, the maximum daytime temperature and minimum nighttime temperature are compared to regional thresholds. A four-level system is used to score each Local Authority area, with Level 4 being the highest. 

So what actually causes a heatwave then? What are the guidelines? Who has the greater risks? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions !

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A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

In partnership with upday UK.

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