Severe heatwave returns, worst affected locations detailed below
The United States is currently experiencing an unprecedented heat wave, with temperatures soaring to record highs in various regions. This extreme weather event is a stark reminder of the impact of climate change on our weather patterns.
According to recent data, the frequency of heat waves in the U.S. has significantly increased over the years. Whereas the country used to experience approximately two heat waves per year in the 1960s, the average has risen to six per year in the last two decades[5]. This trend is consistent with global trends, where greenhouse gas emissions have made such events several times more likely than under pre-industrial conditions[1].
The heat wave is not just more frequent but also more severe. Recent extreme heat events, such as those currently being experienced in the western U.S., are now two to five times more likely due to human-caused climate change[1]. During these events, daytime highs can run 5–10°F above average in the Southwest and up to 15°F above average in regions like Idaho, Oregon, and Washington[1].
Moreover, the duration of heat waves is increasing, and this process is accelerating faster than the global average rate of warming[3]. The longest and rarest heat waves—those lasting for weeks—are showing the greatest increases in frequency and duration[3]. This trend is already consistent with climate model predictions of accelerated lengthening as global temperatures rise[3].
The underlying cause of these heat waves is the buildup of greenhouse gases, which trap more heat in the atmosphere and increase baseline temperatures. This not only raises the likelihood of extreme heat events but also amplifies their intensity and how long they persist. Urban heat island effects can exacerbate local temperature extremes, particularly at night, further increasing health risks[1].
The consequences are clear: more frequent, severe, and persistent heat waves mean greater risks to public health, especially for the elderly and other vulnerable groups, reduced worker productivity, and broader socioeconomic impacts[2][5]. The acceleration in heat wave trends underscores the urgent need for adaptive measures at local and national levels, as the human and economic costs of inaction are increasingly evident[2][5].
As of now, the heat wave is expected to continue into the next few days, with the Northeast expected to be affected by Thursday. Cities such as Washington, DC, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston are expected to experience high temperatures in the middle to upper 90s by Friday[6].
References: [1] http://www.climatecentral.org/gallery/heat-waves-climate-change-us [2] https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html [3] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-019-1791-x [4] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2375-9 [5] https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/climate-information/extreme-events/heatwaves [6] https://www.weather.com/weather/today/lifestyle/news/news/heat-wave-2021-july-us-climate-change-global-warming-extreme-heat-events-record-breaking-07272021
- The increase in frequency and severity of heat waves in the United States, such as the current one, underscores the significant role that climate change plays in worsening medical-conditions related to extreme heat, especially for elderly and vulnerable populations.
- The rising tide of environmental-science data suggests that climate change is not only causing higher temperatures but also contributing to the worsening climate-change patterns, encouraging longer heat waves, which could pose health-and-wellness risks and have broader socioeconomic impacts.
- As the heat wave continues, it highlights the importance of the intersection between weather and science, as a deeper understanding of these connections could help in mitigating the effects of climate change and promoting a healthier environment.
