Extreme Heat and Cold

1. Extreme Heat and Cold Submitted to: Mr. Halpin Submitted by: Kara O’Kane, Alyssa Thrasher, Laura Colella, and Emily McIntyre Submitted on: April 8, 2005

2. What is Extreme Heat and Cold? Extreme heat causes a problem when the temperature and the humidity combine to create high heat indices. Extreme heat is usually classified after the temperature has remained at 32 degrees Celsius for over 3 days. Extreme cold is when there is an actual temperature below freezing. Extreme cold is also when the low temperature and cooling effect of the wind combine to create wind chill. Extreme cold conditions are usually classified when the temperature drops below 12.2 Celsius.

3. What Time of Year Does This Occur? • Extreme Cold mostly occurs in colder climates in the winter months. • Extreme Heat mostly occurs during the summer when the Humidity is at a very high level, as well as a very high temperature.

4. Where Does Extreme Heat and Cold Occur? • Extreme Cold occurs anywhere that has a low enough temperatures to create such conditions. Although it is more likely to occur in Arctic regions. • Extreme Heat occurs anywhere that has a high enough temperature and High enough humidity.

5. History of Extreme Heat and Cold in Our Area. • In 1998, Canada experienced its second warmest winter and warmest spring, summer and fall on record. Temperatures in 1998 were an average of 2.4 degrees warmer than normal and likely the warmest year this century. • On January 28, 1989 – The Northwest territories reached a record wind chill of-51 degrees celcius in Pelly Bay .

6. Potential for Destruction • Extreme Heat and Cold have a major effect on a Humans body. The extreme temperatures make it very hard for a body to stay at a stable temperature. A normal body temperature is 37 degrees Celsius. When the body does not stay at this temperature, it can be very damaging. Several factors affect the body's ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly.

7. Some Disorders Caused by Extreme Temperatures! Extreme Heat Can Cause: • Sunburn • Heat Cramps • Heat Exaustion • Heat Stroke • Heat Rash Extreme Cold Can Cause: • Frostbite • Hypothermia

8. Exciting Facts! • In 1980 the nation saw a devastating heat wave and drought that claimed at least 1700 lives and had estimated economic costs $15 - $19 billion in 1980 dollars • Historically, from 1979 to 1999, excessive heat exposure caused 8,015 deaths in the United States • Most Victims of Extreme Heat and Cold are not even aware of it!

9. The End!