What is hot weather?

Ah, the joys of summer. The sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and sweat is pouring out of your body like a waterfall. This must be what they call “hot weather.” But what really is hot weather? And how does it affect us humans who melt at the slightest increase in temperature?

Definition

Let’s start with the basics: what is hot weather? Simply put, it’s when temperatures rise above average for a specific location during a certain time period (rocket science, I know).

Some people enjoy high temperatures and thrive in them, while others are sensitive to heat and would rather sit in an igloo than venture outside on a sweltering day.

The threshold for defining “hot” varies from place to place since different regions face varying climates throughout the year (no way! Who knew?). That being said, anything above 90°F (32°C) can generally be considered pretty damn hot.

Causes

Now that we know what hot weather is let’s explore why the heck it happens!

Sun Beaming Down On Us

As you may have learned back in elementary school science class — or through common sense— our planet experiences seasons as Earth revolves around the sun each year due to its tilt on its axis.

During summer months, especially near equatorial areas, our hemisphere tilts towards that flaming ball of gas known as Sol allowing more direct rays to reach and warm up our environment causing temperatures to soar high into famously dangerous triple digits ranges.

Urban Heat Island Effect

In addition to natural phenomena such as solar radiation we human beings have made some significant contributions ourselves mostly unintentionally piling up concrete jungles full buildings , cars , waste deposits supermarkets among other things which eventually generate their own heat turning cities into literal “heat islands”
This effect even causes indoor temperatures within buildings slightly higher than usual. So, it’s no surprise that people living in urban areas experience hotter climates more often than rural inhabitants (cities suck).

Climate Change

Of course, we can’t leave out the big one — climate change. Due to a combination of manmade and natural factors such as pollution ans deforestation , our planet is tilting more towards warmer temperatures which means hot weather events are becoming even more frequent across much larger parts of the world.. In addition this puts increasing amount pressure on agricultural output and environmental hazards like dropping levels in water supply or bushfires

Effects Of Hot Weather On The Human Body

Now let’s delve into what all these high temps do to us when we’re just looking forward to some cool shade!

Sweating Everywhere

Our bodies have unique mechanisms for adapting with higher internal body temperatures by physically sweating which keeps us cooler. This works because when sweat evaporates from our skin surface it helps remove extra heat from your body But being drenched in sweat is not exactly ideal – especially if you’re trying to keep a professional appearance at work.

Sunburns & Skin Damage

On hot days sunburns become an urgent issue . High UV radiation coupled with low cloud coverage might leave many unsuspecting individuals sporting painful red patches.Even if sunscreen has been applied under excessive exposure any form of healthy skin will suffer permanent damage thereby raising risks skin cancer.

Heat Stroke / Exhaustion

The scary part about getting overheated beyond offset sweating occurs mainly prolonged exposure or strenuous activity like outdoor sports.People who aren’t careful during extreme periods could be prone to experiencing heat exhaustion symptoms — episodes marked by headache,dizziness,fainting,nausea,vomiting — or worse…heat stroke, a medical emergency characterized by core temperature overshooting its safety measure-42°C (107°F)- leaving potential long term brain damage.

Staying Safe From Hot Weather During Summer

The good news is that we all can take steps to ensure our safety this hot season!

Drink Water! 🚰💧

Regardless of how busy you may be, always make it a priority to hydrate as much as possible even if there are no tell-tale signs of thirst . Carry bottle water wherever possible.

Slap On Sunscreen

Always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen whenever going out during the day. It would significantly reduce risk burns and long-term harm from UV radiation .

Dress Appropriately

Choosing fabrics with higher breathability potential- preferably cotton or linen- could help keep us cooler.Wearing loose fitting clothing helps prevent trapping sweat within tight-fitting fabric which also causes severe skin irritation Not to mention your secret need for some “breathing room” on summer days (no judgments here).

Conclusion

So what have we learned? Hot weather happens when temperatures rise above average for specific times and places, thanks largely in part by Solar radiation , urbanization issues and –can’t forget– climate change.

Symptoms of excessive though easily avoidable exposure include sunburns,sweating everywhere,strokes/exhaustion among others but simple preventive measures like hydration ,correct dressing ,sun protection drastically reduce incidence rates.

So the next time someone asks “what’s hot weather?” You will reply confidently! And with that wish y’all blessed sweat free summers ahead 😉

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