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News Release 16-032

Ocean temperatures predict U.S. heat waves 50 days out

Pacific pattern forms in advance of hot days in Eastern U.S.

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cars in traffic on a highway and a big sun

Scientists have found a way of predicting an increased chance of a summer heat wave.

Credit: NSF Central Arizona-Phoenix LTER Site


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map of United States showing different temperatures in 2012

June 29, 2012, was the hottest day of the year in the eastern U.S.

Credit: National Weather Service


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map showing the Pacific region with highlight of area with abnormal temperatures

Sea-surface temperature anomalies in the mid-latitude Pacific 50 days out from June 29, 2012.

Credit: Courtesy Karen McKinnon, NCAR


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heat map of the Chicago skyline

The summer of 2012 was a scorcher. Three heat waves struck the U.S.

Credit: Dustin Phillips/Creative Commons


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Heat waves affect energy use, farming and other aspects of society.

Heat waves affect energy use, farming and other aspects of society.

Credit: NASA


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Grasses become sere and brown in the baking summer sun.

Grasses become sere and brown in the baking summer sun.

Credit: NSF Konza Prairie LTER Site


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