Weather Alert: In the midst of a second potential heat wave, but what does that mean?
by A.J. MASTRANGELO, STORM TEAM 10
The third day of a three-day-long heatwave is expected on Wednesday as high temperatures climb near 90 with heat indices pushing towards the triple digits once again. If that’s the case; Providence will officially see its second heat wave of the summer season.
High humidity is to blame for the extreme feels like temperatures, as air temperatures are still a few degrees under record territory.
The definition of a heat wave does in fact vary by geographic location, with northern latitudes having a lower threshold than the southern United States. Northeastern states deem a heat wave “3+ consecutive days of 90+ degree temperatures”, something we’ve already seen earlier this summer.
Despite only one 90 degree day last year, Rhode Island’s climatology shows that the state averages 1-2 heat waves each year.
While it may not be what most folks call “scary” weather such as hurricanes and tornadoes, excessive heat is the number one cause of weather related fatalities in the United States year after year.
From the elderly and children, to workers and athletes; we all need to make sure we take steps to keep ourselves and those around us safe from the heat.
