The hottest two days in the world On record It happened in July, but in 2024 Warmest year Until nowThe heat wave is more Frequentlybecoming more severe and often Faster than expectedFactor in humidity and extreme weather is already testing the limits of the human body. 1,300 people died During the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia in June, temperatures reached about 52°C (126°F), resulting in deaths from heatstroke. Recorded This year, it has occurred in areas such as the United States, Thailand, India and Mexico. In parts of Europe, rising temperatures More than 47,000 people died 2023 — More extreme weather conditions are expected this summer, so please remain vigilant.
Why is extreme heat dangerous?
There is Many reasonsHigh temperatures can make people more susceptible to dehydration and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Heat can worsen respiratory problems, especially in places with high levels of air pollution. Heat stress can make it harder for people to work. Potential for injuryIt’s difficult to know exactly how many people die from heatstroke each year, but UncountableThe number of heatstroke deaths in Europe is expected to reach 61,672 in 2022, although this figure may underestimate the actual total. According to According to a study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, developing countries are worse off than developed ones because they have fewer places to hide from the sun, most people work outdoors and fewer have effective air conditioning at home. The concrete and asphalt of cities trap heat, Nighttime Temperature It can also lead to heat stress. woman and senior citizen Studies have shown that this is the group of people most affected by extreme heat.
How is extreme heat measured?
Forecaster There are an increasing number of methods for measuring heat stress and discomfort. HumidexTo understand the health risks posed by high temperatures, various metrics can help, including the heat index and perceived temperature. The “wet bulb temperature” is one such metric. It takes into account the effect of humidity, which makes it harder for the body to cool itself down by sweating. For example, imagine July in Phoenix, Arizona, where the temperature is 42°C and the humidity is 40%. The wet bulb temperature is about 30°C. If the temperature is as low as 38°C but the humidity is high at 80%, the wet bulb temperature is about 35°C. This is hot enough to cause heatstroke in a healthy person with plenty of shade and water, and who is already showing signs of heatstroke. began to appear In coastal subtropical areas, where shade and water are often limited, heat death can occur even at much lower wet-bulb temperatures. Research in 2020 A study published in Science magazine found that areas affected by the 2003 European and 2010 Russian heat waves that killed thousands had wet-bulb temperatures below 28°C.
How is wet bulb temperature measured?
Originally, this was done by wrapping a wet cloth around the bulb of a thermometer. Scientists recorded the temperature after the water evaporated, much like how sweat cools the body. Today, wet bulb temperatures are measured using electronic equipment in weather stations, and satellite data from NASA and the International Space Station is also being used to further study hot spots. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also uses tool It predicts wet bulb spot temperature, a more advanced indicator of heat stress that takes into account wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover.
What is the problem here?
Traditionally, South Asia and subtropical climates have experienced the most heat and humidity. In India, the wet bulb temperature exceeds 32°C in some places, and the United Nations predicts that India will be one of the first countries to exceed 35°C in wet bulb temperature. Effects of Global Warming and Climate Change El Niño Weather Pattern That means this year will likely set temperature and humidity records across a wide swath of the equator, including Florida, Texas, much of Africa, India, Australia and Central and South America. According to University of California, Berkeley. Even in temperate regions, the number of incredibly hot days is on the rise. UK Record registered In July 2022, the temperature rose to 40.3°C, but the wet bulb temperature remained around 25°C due to relatively low humidity. Barcelona The hottest day on record According to the World Meteorological Organization, about half of the US population was under a heat wave warning as of August 1. Japan, Greece, Hungary, Croatia The countries experienced one of the hottest Julys on record.
What are the economic impacts of heat?
In hotter areas, every aspect of life becomes more difficult and inequalities become more pronounced, especially in cities. The effects are felt even in cool placesThis usually comes through rising food and energy prices. Coffee prices this year 45-year high Prolonged heat and drought have exacerbated supply shortages in Vietnam, the world’s largest producer of robusta. Dry weather has led analysts to cut wheat production forecasts in Russia this year, and supplies of other crops such as rapeseed and chickpeas are also vulnerable to the heat. A noticeable impact on global inflationNon-energy commodity prices rose 3.9 percentage points and oil prices rose 3.5 percentage points, according to a Bloomberg Economics model. Electricity consumption also rises during the heatwaves, sending prices soaring and straining the power grid and consumers’ wallets. Natural gas prices rose this summer as consumers worried about the risk of blackouts. Egypt, normally a natural gas exporter, turned to buying LNG to meet rising demand. The heatwaves also boosted energy demand, pushing prices higher. DroughtMore stress is added, Hydroelectric power and Nuclear power Production. Extreme temperatures pose increased threats to outdoor activities, causing event cancellations, etc. concertreligious gatherings, sporting events, etc.
What does the heatwave have to do with climate change?
New scientific fields, Attribution of extreme eventsThe study makes some concrete connections between global warming and extreme weather. Heatwaves are most directly linked to human greenhouse gas pollution. And because heat, along with dryness and wind, fuels wildfires, scientists are confident that climate change is making wildfires worse in the western U.S., Australia, and other places. 2 months longer Compared to the 1970s and 1980s, global warming is Tropical cyclone Storms, also known as hurricanes and typhoons, will become more powerful. Warmer water and moist air, the result of global warming, provide more fuel for these storms. Record-breaking Hurricane Beryl Extreme heat hit parts of the Caribbean and the United States in July, and continues to plague India and Pakistan. 30x odds This is due to climate change.
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