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The world will be struggling with more deadly heat waves in the future
STATES CHRONICLE – A new study published in the journal Nature Climate Change claims that heat waves around the globe have become more intense, and even reached lethal levels. However, they are likely to become less deadly in the future, not because their intensity will decrease, but rather because people will get used to them.
Highest temperatures ever recorded struck the world
The study analyzed 1,949 heat waves around the globe since 1980 until the present day. It looked at the conditions which turn them deadly, and how they will change in the future. Researchers discovered that 1 out of 3 people struggles with at least 20 days a year of intense heat waves. However, if weather and climate conditions do not improve, 3 in 4 people will have to struggle with deadly heat 100 years from now.
Researchers decided to develop the study after they recorded overwhelming temperatures in the United States. This Sunday, the cities of Santa Rosa, Livermore, and San Jose in California were swept up by three-digit temperatures of 106, 105, and 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, the forecast says that the massive heat wave will continue over the week.
Last year, 22 countries struggled with their highest temperatures ever recorded. This year, seven others have already registered incredible heat. Last month, weather scientists registered a temperature of 128 degrees Fahrenheit in Turbat, Pakistan. If it is confirmed, it will be among the five hottest ever measured on Earth.
Simulations aren’t accurate for all countries
Researchers put up a map of previous waves, and then run simulations to see how likely they are to evolve. If pollution and global warming continues, the east of the United States will struggle with plenty of deadly heat waves.
Other areas likely to be affected are Southeastern US, Central and South America, India, Pakistan, Central Africa, or Australia. Predictions are more accurate for countries like US, where it is easier to keep record of temperatures. Therefore, many other poorer countries might be struck by the killer heat waves.
Image Source: NASA Earth Observatory
