Heat Wave in U.S: A recent study has confirmed that human-caused climate change significantly intensified this month’s deadly heat wave across the Southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America.
The research, conducted by World Weather Attribution, a consortium of scientists specializing in rapid climate analysis, reveals that the extreme heat was 35 times more likely and 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.4 degrees Celsius) hotter due to the effects of burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.
Unprecedented Daytime and Nighttime Heat
The scorching temperatures have led to numerous cases of heat stroke, particularly in areas like the Sonoran Desert, which hit a record 125 degrees Fahrenheit (51.9 degrees Celsius), marking the hottest day in Mexican history. Shel Winkley, a meteorologist at Climate Central and a co-author of the study, emphasized the severity of these conditions.
Even more concerning is the rise in nighttime temperatures, which have been 2.9 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 degrees Celsius) warmer than usual, making it 200 times more likely to experience such extreme evening heat. This lack of cooler nighttime temperatures exacerbates the risk of heat-related illnesses and fatalities, as highlighted by climate scientist Friederike Otto of Imperial College London, who leads the attribution study team.
Impact on Vulnerable Populations
The intense heat has been particularly devastating for those without access to air conditioning. Margarita Salazar Pérez, an 82-year-old resident of Veracruz, Mexico, described her home as an unbearable oven. Cool nights, which are crucial for surviving heat waves, have been absent, making conditions even more life-threatening. The World Weather Attribution team has reported at least 125 deaths linked to the heat wave so far.
Climate Change and Its Growing Impact
Karina Izquierdo, an urban advisor for the Red Cross and Red Crescent Climate Centre based in Mexico City, and a co-author of the study, stated that the intensity of this heat wave is a direct result of climate change. The alarming frequency and severity of such events are becoming increasingly common, as past studies have shown extreme heat waves that were nearly impossible without climate change.
Otto noted that what was once considered extreme weather is now becoming more typical. Her research indicates that this heat wave is four times more likely to occur now than it was in the year 2000, highlighting the rapid changes in our climate over the past two decades.
Record-Breaking Temperatures Across the Region
The study examined a broad region, including southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Mexico, and parts of Central America. During the peak period of the heat wave, from June 3 to June 7, many areas experienced record-breaking temperatures. For instance, San Angelo, Texas, reached 111 degrees Fahrenheit (43.8 degrees Celsius) on June 4, while Corpus Christi saw nighttime temperatures that never fell below 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.7 degrees Celsius) between June 2 and June 6.
Between June 1 and June 15, over 1,200 daytime high-temperature records and nearly 1,800 nighttime high-temperature records were broken or tied in the United States alone, according to the National Center for Environmental Information.
Also read: Why Are Rivers in Alaska Turning Orange? A Deep Dive into the Environmental Impact
Scientific Analysis and Projections
The attribution team used both current and historical temperature data, comparing these to simulations of a world without human-induced climate change. This methodology allowed them to quantify the extent to which global warming contributed to the 2024 heat wave.
The immediate cause of the heat wave was a high-pressure system over central Mexico that blocked cooling storms and clouds, later moving to the U.S. Southwest and currently affecting the U.S. East. Although Tropical Storm Alberto, forming recently, may bring some relief with rains to northern Mexico and southern Texas, the overall impact of the heat wave remains severe.
Socioeconomic Inequities Highlighted
The heat wave has also underscored existing inequalities, with poorer communities suffering the most. Access to air conditioning and other cooling measures is often limited for those in lower-income brackets, leading to greater health risks. Carly Kenkel, Chair of Marine Studies at the University of Southern California, emphasized that these disparities become starkly evident during extreme weather events.
For residents like Salazar Pérez, the heat wave has been a period of intense discomfort and danger, highlighting the urgent need for addressing both climate change and social inequities.
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