The world is experiencing one of the hottest summers in history, with temperatures reaching unbearable levels in many areas that are not prepared for such extremes. As a result, China, France, and the United Kingdom have warned their citizens to stay indoors.
What causes a Heatwave?
According to NOAA, a heatwave is an extended period of unusually hot weather lasting at least two days. A heatwave occurs when temperatures exceed the historical averages for an area.
Heat waves form when high pressure air settles high in the air and causes hot air to sink down. As the hot air sinks, a bubble forms that acts as a seal and traps heat near the ground. The high pressure makes it difficult for other weather systems to move into the area, which is why a heatwave can last for several days or weeks.
The result is a heat wave with both high heat and high humidity near the ground. The duration of these heat waves can range from a few days to a few weeks.
What caused the heatwave in UK?
On July 19, 2022 U.K experienced a high temperature of 40 Celsius. Only a few days prior to this, the U.K. Met Office put the odds of hitting 40 Celsius at only 10 percent.
UK’s recent extreme heat was far more intense and widespread than previous heatwaves as 40°C was exceeded for the first time. This was the first time 40°C has been recorded in the UK.
It is increasingly clear that human-caused climate change is causing temperatures to rise to levels previously considered unimaginable.
By burning fossil fuels, cutting down forests, and raising livestock, we are increasingly affecting the climate and the temperature of the Earth. As a result, considerable quantities of greenhouse gases(carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide) are added to the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
How often do heatwave occurs?
Across the globe, hot days are becoming more frequent and hotter, while cold days are getting fewer. There have been twice as many daily record high temperatures than record lows across the continental United States over the past decade, compared to a near 1:1 ratio in the 1950s.
Globally, heat waves are becoming more frequent than they used to be.
The number of heat waves in the United States has steadily increased over the past few decades, from two in the 1960s to six in the 2010s on average. The intensity of heat waves has increased over time. In the 1960s, the average temperature of the heat wave across 50 cities was 2.0°F above threshold. Whereas during the 2010s, the average heat wave was 2.5°F above the local threshold.
According to a recent study, the number of days with a heat index over 100 degrees Fahrenheit is expected to double, and the number of days with a heat index over 105 degrees Fahrenheit will triple, compared to the end of the 20th century.
Is heatwave due to climate change?
Yes. Climate change is the major culprit behind this heat wave. Climate change makes heat waves hotter and more frequent. This is the case for most land regions, and has been confirmed by the UN’s global panel of climate scientists (IPCC).
In a press statement about the unprecedented temperatures across Europe in recent days, Friederike Otto, co-lead of World Weather Attribution and a climate scientist at Imperial College London, said climate change is driving this heat wave.
“Heat waves that used to be rare are now common; heat waves that used to be impossible are now happening and killing people.”
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