Experience extreme weather systems with this fantastic visual guide. The Great Big Book of Wild Weather combines four titles, each taking an in-depth look at different weather conditions around the world. You can find out how weather is predicted, and the dramatic effects of extreme weather on both the environment and people's lives. Features: dramatic photographs taking you to the heart of the action; case studies of natural disasters around the world; fascinating facts, written and checked by experts; and clear, modern design.

Table of Contents

HEATWAVE What is a heatwave? p6 Where is hot weather most common? p8 Why do some places get warm weather? p10 What causes a heatwave p12 Modern life p14 Wildfires p16 Human health p18 Food and farming p20 Drought p22 Heat and wildlife p24 Living with hot weather p26 Knock-on effects p28 Are heatwaves getting worse? p30 Glossary p32 BLIZZARDS What is a blizzard? p34 What is snow? p36 Where are blizzards most common? p38 Mountain snow p40 Getting around p42 Surviving a blizzard p44 Dangers to health p46 Dealing with snow p48 Plants and animals p50 Living with snow p52 Blizzard tales p54 Coping with blizzards p56 The changing climate p58 Glossary p60 FLOODS What is a flood? p62 What causes rain? p64 Which places get the most rain? p66 Flooding rivers p68 Flash floods p70 Mudslides p72 Sea floods p74 Preparing for floods p76 Destructive power of water p78 Repairing the damage p80 Preventing floods p82 Living with floods p84 Are floods getting worse? p86 Glossary p88 HURRICANES AND TORNADOES Hurricanes and tornadoes p90 What is wind? p92 Where do severe storms occur? p94 How does a hurricane form? p96 Preparing for a hurricane p98 Thunderstorms p102 How does a tornado form? p104 Preparing for a tornado p106 Destructue power of a tornado p108 Strange happenings p110 The aftermath p112 Are hurricanes and tornades increasing? p114 Glossary p116 Index p117