Last month of June was the warmest in the Iberian Peninsula since Aemet began keeping records. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) reported that June was the second hottest month worldwide in terms of average temperature, surpassed only by June 2016. Between October 2015 and September 2016, the planet faced a series of alarming monthly temperature records.
The average temperature recorded in Spain for June was 24,1ºC. This value is 3ºC higher the average established between 1981 and 2010, marking a new record, surpassing the previous one of 2003, which was 24,0ºC by 0,1ºC.
Exceptional Global Warmth
The Copernicus Climate Change Service of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts indicated that June this year the "Exceptional Global Warmth" period was extended. This period began in mid-2015, and June saw a 0,38°C increase compared to the 1981-2010 average. Notably, it was only 0,06°C lower than the same month the previous year, 2016.
More regions of the planet also recorded unusually high temperatures, including Morocco, Siberia, Antarctica, parts of the Middle East, and the southwestern United States, among others.
Global Temperature Records
Recently, in Meteorology in Network, it was reported that Ahwad, Iran, recorded 53,7°C due to a heat wave that also brought temperatures above 50°C to several places in the East, including Iraq and Kuwait. In United StatesLas Vegas reached 47,2°C (51,7°F), and Needles reached 17°C (27°F). Phoenix Airport had to cancel numerous flights between the 43th and XNUMXth of last month after recording XNUMX°C (XNUMX°F).
The heat wave that hit the Iberian Peninsula also spread to southeastern Europe, causing many countries to record temperatures of over 40°C.
It seems that the records are not going to stop. And we're still in a warm period that, so far, we can't shake off. As summer progresses, we'll continue to monitor how the weather conditions develop.
Causes of the Increase in Temperatures in the Iberian Peninsula
This increase in temperatures is not an isolated phenomenon. In fact, it is linked to global climate change that are affecting various regions of the world. It has been shown that global warming is causing an increase in the frequency and intensity of heat waves.
The Iberian Peninsula, located in a geographical area that combines tropical and extratropical climates, is suffering the consequences of these heat waves. extreme temperatures in a context of rapidly changing weather conditions. Factors such as warming ocean waters, deforestation, and increased greenhouse gas emissions are exacerbating this situation.
Socioeconomic Impacts of Heat Waves
Heat waves have a direct impact on multiple sectors. farming, for example, can be severely affected due to decreased water availability and increased evaporation, which compromises crop production. Droughts accompanying heat waves also affect hydroelectric power generation and can increase electricity costs. One of the expected effects is the implications these heat waves have on public health.
Heat waves can also have a devastating effect on public healthRising temperatures are linked to increased mortality, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and people with preexisting health conditions.
Examples of Recent Heat Waves
To illustrate the seriousness of the situation, in June 2022, an event was experienced with extremely high temperatures This generated multiple alerts in several countries. In places like Madrid, temperatures reached levels close to 43°C, breaking historical records. Meanwhile, Europe has also seen an increase in the frequency of heat waves, as detailed in some recent studies.
In France, for example, Biarritz reported 42.9ºC, leading experts to describe this heat wave as a clear indicator of climate changeAtmospheric pressure and the circulation of hot air masses from North Africa toward Europe have been key factors in the development of these heat waves.
Reactions of the Authorities and Preventive Measures
Authorities have begun to implement measures to mitigate the impact Heat waves. In many regions, emergency public health protocols are being established, including the distribution of drinking water and the provision of cool spaces for the most affected people. Furthermore, it is important to mention that adaptation to these phenomena is becoming critical, not only in the Iberian Peninsula but also in other parts of the world.
However, much remains to be done, especially in the agricultural sector, where adaptation to new climate realities is crucial to ensuring food production. The implementation of sustainable technologies will be key to achieving this.
A comprehensive approach is needed that combines water management, sustainable agriculture, and climate change mitigation policies. Adapting land use and promoting agricultural practices resilient These are measures that should be considered in the long term.
Seasons of High Temperatures in the Future
Global warming has long-term implications for the hot seasons in the Iberian Peninsula. Recent studies suggest that heat waves Not only will they be more frequent, but also more intense, making projections for the future worrying. Research indicates that future climate conditions are likely to worsen, especially considering the rise in average global temperatures.
Research indicates that if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, the region is likely to experience a notable increase in the duration and severity of heat waves, thus affecting all aspects of social and economic life in the Iberian Peninsula.
Therefore, climate awareness and education efforts, as well as infrastructure investments, are essential to better prepare for the upcoming extreme weather events. Communities must come together to design strategies that not only respond to heat waves but also anticipate them.
Establishing policies that promote sustainability and adaptation to climate change are crucial to reducing the vulnerability of our communities and ecosystems to these extreme events.
Based on data from recent years and recent climate reports, heat waves in the Iberian Peninsula have become a recurring phenomenon that poses significant challengesNot only is the environment affected, but also the economy and public health. It is imperative to establish preventive measures and foster a proactive, multidisciplinary approach to addressing the entire phenomenon of climate change.
Key Facts about Global Warming
- June 2022 was the hottest on record in the Iberian Peninsula.
- Average temperatures have increased significantly in recent years.
- Heat waves are an increasingly common phenomenon on the Iberian Peninsula, with severe impacts on public health and the economy.
- Adaptation to climate change is essential to mitigate its effects.
