Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Extreme weather events refer to severe and unusual weather phenomena that deviate significantly from normal conditions. These events include hurricanes, tornadoes, heatwaves, blizzards, floods, droughts, and wildfires.
Long-term shifts in temperature patterns and weather conditions caused by human activities, which can contribute to the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
Storm Surge: A rise in sea level during a storm that can cause flooding along coastal areas.
Heatwave: A prolonged period of excessively hot weather, often accompanied by high humidity, that can have detrimental effects on human health and ecosystems.