Hazard - Extreme Heat

The maximum daily near-surface air temperature is referred to as Extreme Heat. Extreme Heat does not typically cause damage to physical assets. There are some materials and archetypes that may be affected, such as asphalt and roads, however the temperatures needed are very high and are not normally a trigger for damage to commercial or residential property.

Extreme temperatures can cause electrical and mechanical components to exceed their design temperature and fail or send spurious signals. For example, a smartphone exposed to direct sunlight may overheat and shut down. However, once it cools it should operate normally. The same process can affect commercial, industrial and utility assets, especially through the failure of control electronics. Air conditioners can stop working above 45 °C, leading to closure of shopping centres or factories.

Hence, heat extremes are assumed to be associated with asset failure and disruption rather than damage.