Heat is one of the most underrated and least understood of the deadly weather phenomena. In contrast to the visible, destructive and violent characteristics associated with deadly weather, like floods and tornadoes, a heat wave is a "silent killer". Heat deaths occur quietly, without headline-making destruction. Many people don't realize how deadly a heat wave can be.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that on average, 384 people die each year, nationwide from excessive heat. More than lightning, tornadoes, floods and hurricanes combined!

• The Urban Heat Problem
• Measuring the Heat
• What You Can Do
• What Your Community Can Do