Symptom: Dry, itchy skin. Photo by Fuse/Getty Images. What it might mean: It's probably winter itch, skin dryness that's a result of cold, dry air. Using a humidifier, avoiding super hot showers, and routinely slathering on a thick moisturizer will help keep skin supple.
But Death Valley is affected by several of the main causes of heat waves - the frequent presence of a high pressure system (helped by its below sea level elevation), downslope air movement from surrounding mountains, and radiation of heat from the surrounding cliffs.
This is called a heatwave. Heatwaves are dangerous for humans and animals. In addition, heatwaves can cause economic damage and threaten resources, as water and electricity usages go up much higher than usual. Answer. Heat waves form when an air mass becomes stationary over a region.