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2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan <br />Kittitas County, Washington <br />Strong winds not associated with thunderstorms are often referred to as gradient winds and are usually <br />a result of tight pressure gradients between strong areas of low pressure and high pressure. These strong <br />winds can be just as strong as thunderstorm wind gusts, but cover a much larger area, and can result in <br />widespread damage.-1 el <br />ln coastal regions a strong wind is called a gale. Gale winds are sustained surface winds between 34 <br />and 47 knots (39 to 54 mph). <br />Extreme Temperatures <br />Heat Wave/Excessive Heat <br />The definition of a heat wave varies based on different factors, such as location, weather conditions (e.9., <br />temperature, humidity, cloud cover) and the time of year.-1s2 However, excessive/extreme heat can be <br />defined as a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, with temperatures above the average high. 1e3 <br />Heat alone does not make high temperatures a threat; both humidity and heat combined is what makes <br />high temperatures a dangerous.-1e4 The Heat lndex is a measure of how hot it really feels when relative <br />humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature (i.e., ambient temperature). <br />Figure 4-17 illustrates NWS's Heat lndex Chart. The NWS primarily uses Heat lndex values to determine <br />excessive heat events and issue the appropriate advisories.-1e5 <br />1e1 National Weather Service. (n.d.). Non Thunderstorm Wind Hazards. Retrieved from <br />https://www.weather.oov/mhx/NonThu nderstormWind Hazards. <br />1e2 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). Climate <br />Change and Extreme Heat: What You Can Do to Prepared. Retrieved from <br />https://www.epa.qov/s . <br />1e3 Federal Emergency Management Agency. (n.d.). Extreme Heat I What. Retrieved from <br />https:i/communitv.fema.qov/ProtectiveActions/s/article/Extreme-Heat-What. <br />1ea National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2022). Heat lndex. Retrieve from <br />https://www.noaa.qov/ietstream/global/heat-index#. <br />1e5 National Weather Service. (n.d.). Heat Forecast Tools. Retrieved from https:/iwww.weather.qov/safetv/heat- <br />index. <br />Chapter 4: Hazard ldentification and Risk Assessment 153