9781422274507

W hen temperatures drop to very low levels within a day, it is called a cold wave. Such conditions can affect the daily routine of peo- ple. Cold waves normally occur every year in cold countries like the United States, Canada, and Russia. Now, with rising temperatures, the winter months are getting milder and cold waves have reduced. However, when they do occur, they are of an extreme nature and cause much death and damage. Cold Waves

Effects During cold waves, people and animals die due to hypothermia and frostbite . Crop production suffers greatly. Water pipes freeze, caus- ing serious damage to property. Reduction in hydroelectricity gener- ation results in failure to meet the demand for electricity. Vehicles do not start in such extreme weather, thus affecting the transpor- tation system. Fires become more dangerous as cold air contains more oxygen; once started, fires can become very intense.

CLIMATE CHANGE: Problems and Progress

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