Geographia Polonica (2006) vol. 79, iss. 2
Definig heat waves - different aproaches
Geographia Polonica (2006) vol. 79, iss. 2, pp. 47-63 | 
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Abstract
Heat waves have not been defined officially, however there are many non-official definitionsin use. This paper reviews some of the most frequently used definitions of heat wave and itsmeasures. It also reveals different numbers of heat periods that result from an analysis employingdifferent definitions of a heat wave. This has been exemplified on the basis of data from Polandand confirmed the need for regionally accepted guidelines by which to define heat waves.
Keywords: definitions of heat wave, extreme weather, thresholds, synoptic approach, Poland
[mkuchcik@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland