Heat waves: what are, temperatures, causes and consequences

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Meteorology Organization (OMM), there is no consensual, unique and precise definition for the “heat wave” phenomenon. However, it can be understood as a Prolonged period of extremely hot weatherdry or humid, what happens day or night and that begins and ends abruptlywith a duration of At least two or three days. It can also be defined as a Extreme climate event with high temperatures that persist for several days in a specific geographical place.

Heat waves not only imply a considerable increase in temperature, but also bring a series of health problems and societies.

The reports made by the experts of the Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC) have shown that In the last 50 years the frequency of heat waves has increased considerably. This problem is not mere coincidence, since climate change is contributing to intensification and the periodicity of heat waves worldwide.

You may be interested in reading this other article about why in coastal areas it is more hot.

Although heat waves are taking greater relevance today, this does not mean that in the past they have not existed. These extreme events could go unnoticed by happening in very little known regions with few inhabitants and where the records have been scarce or null.

According to numerous studies in 2021 it was characterized by the occurrence of episodes of extreme weather and climatic phenomena. Events such as heat waves and droughts gained relevance in different regions of the Terrestrial globe.

The presence of extreme temperatures are associated with the Increased planet temperature. The average annual temperatures recorded were higher than normal in most of the world, except regions such as Alaska or Siberia. Heat waves in Europe, North Africa, southern Asia and South America have exhibited anomalous temperature values ​​in the year 2021.

• In Europe there was thirteen daily temperature recordsbeing the ninth warmer year with temperatures ever registered. In 2017, heat waves in Spain caused extreme temperatures and the thermometers marked 47.2 ° C in the city of Córdoba.
• In June 2021, a heat wave affected North America obtaining its seventh warmer year ever registered before. In Canada, The city of Lytton beat a national temperature record of 49.6 ° C..
• 2021 was the sixth warmer year ever registered in South America. Argentina, during the summer of the year 2023 suffered one of its most raw summers in which the extreme heat extended from February 28 to March 20 of that year reaching almost the almost the 41 ° C..
• He year 2021 equaled 2019 as the third warmer year ever registered in Africa and Asia had the seventh warmer year Never registered.

Why is it so hot? Heat waves may be due to various causes of natural and anthropic origin, including:

• Natural variations: The decrease in dry air that is heated and invades certain regions, the largest solar radiation due to the absence of cloudiness, and the entry of hot and humid air and the absence of winds, among other factors, can be the cause of a heat wave.
• Climate change: The temperature increase due to global warming generated by a higher percentage of greenhouse gas emissions is intensifying the frequency and presence of heat waves worldwide. Here you can read about the causes and consequences of climate change and the effects of climate change.
• Urbanization: Urbanization and change in land use can increase temperature in cities, generating “urban heat islands” in which asphalt -based constructions accumulate a large amount of heat during the day causing temperature rise.
• Change in soil use patterns: The change in land use patterns, such as deforestation, desertification and the entire transformation of natural ecosystems to crop or cattle lands, can contribute to the formation of heat waves by altering the reflectivity and absorption patterns of the earth’s surface.

• Increased vector -transmitted diseases: The warmest climate will increase reproduction, and distribution of vector -transmitted diseases.
• Greater mortality in risk groups: Children, elders and people with risk pathologies will be more exposed to these extreme climatic phenomena, which can increase the number of deaths.
• Decrease in work capacity: Risk of heat exhaustion, cardiac arrest and more frequent labor accidents for those who work outdoors.
• Decrease in agricultural production: due to the fall in food production and the least access to them. The increase in temperature, the absence of rainfall diminish agricultural production.
• Energy collapse: The use of air conditioners and fans generated a considerable increase in the demand for electricity related to high temperatures producing greater energy demand
• Forest fire risks: Due to drought due to the absence of rainfall and extreme heat, ecosystems have a high risk of fire. Here you can know how to prevent forest fires.
• Risks in biodiversity: High temperatures can affect survival and increase deaths of animal and plants species.

• Avoid sun exposureespecially in critical hours (from 10 a.m. to 16 hours). At all times it is advisable to place hat and sunscreen.
• Drink water more frequentlyeven when you feel thirsty.
• Avoid caffeine or sugar drinks in excess.
• Incorporate fruits and vegetables in food and avoid abundant and heavy meals.
• Avoid performing intense physical activity.
• Dress baggy clotheslight and light colors.
• Stay in well ventilated or air conditioning places as far as possible (either at home or in public places).
• Pay attention to alert signssuch as: intense thirst and dry mouth and skin, temperature greater than 39 ° C, excessive sweating, feeling of suffocating heat, exhaustion, dizziness or decompensations, stomach pains, lack of appetite, nausea or vomiting, headaches, among other symptoms.

Now that you know more about heat waves, we recommend you read our articles about plants that absorb heat and how to refresh the house without air conditioning.

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