The heat wave that hit Spain last week has left indelible marks on the memory of its inhabitants. Record temperatures were recorded in several cities and at various stations across the country. Particularly alarming was the maximum temperature of 47,3°C in Montoro, Córdoba, which not only surpassed the previous national record of 47,2°C in Murcia by 0,1°C, but also highlighted the seriousness of the climate phenomenon we are facing. Record temperatures in Spain are a clear indication of this problem.
Extreme heat spikes hadn't been seen in years. Cities that had never reached such levels began to set historic highs. The aforementioned Córdoba Airport, for example, recorded 46,9°C, surpassing its previous record of 46,6°C. This has led the scientific community and international organizations to warn about climate change, which is undoubtedly exacerbating these phenomena, as can be seen in the figure. link between extreme weather and global warming.
Historical records in many more points
The extreme heat phenomenon also spread to six other locations, where alarmingly high temperatures were recorded. Temperatures reached 45,4°C at Badajoz Airport, 43,2°C in Cáceres, 43,7°C in Ciudad Real, 43,5°C at Granada Air Base, 44,4°C in Jaén, and 40,2°C in Teruel. These records demonstrate a worrying trend, with a large number of locations exceeding the limits considered normal for this time of year. This is a clear sign of the importance of addressing the impacts of heat wavesThis situation is similar to the heat wave in Mallorca, which also showed unusually high temperatures.
Fortunately, the heat seems to be giving way. According to the heat risk map provided by Aemet, although some regions remain on orange and yellow alert, the situation has eased considerably.
However, it is important to note that Aemet has mentioned that some historical records, such as those of Montoro, cannot be considered completely official because they come from secondary stations. Therefore, the official record in Spain would remain at 46,9°C. Despite this debate, the most alarming aspect is the succession of historical highs that have been recorded and the frequency with which they occur. temperatures higher than 40°C are no longer anomalous but are becoming the new normal. This is evident in the analysis of the increase in intensified weather events.
Understanding the heat wave
Heat waves are meteorological phenomena characterized by a period of high temperatures. temperatures that exceed the historical average for a specific region. This year, extreme weather has had a significant impact on agriculture, public health, and water supply in various areas of Spain. The combination of high temperatures and drought has exacerbated these conditions, leading to an increase in demand for water resources, a critical aspect that has been observed in other heat waves around the world.
Various studies have shown that global warming has contributed to an increase in the frequency and intensity of these heat waves in recent years. The periods of abnormal temperatures are driven by the interaction of natural climate phenomena and human activities, which in turn produce greenhouse gases. This is also related to the phenomenon of how heat waves occur.
El extreme heat in Spain This is not an isolated phenomenon, but is occurring in many parts of the world. In Australia, for example, heat waves have become more intense and frequent, causing the death of numerous bats due to heat stress. These types of events highlight the importance of urgently addressing the climate crisis, as its impact affects both humans and biodiversity. A clear example of this can be seen in the situation in australia.
Global temperature comparison
The global context of warming helps us better understand how our temperatures with those of other parts of the world. It is well known that there are regions that have historically recorded temperatures higher than ours, such as Death Valley in California, where extreme figures of up to 56,7°C were reached in 1913. This type of extreme heat has also been seen in other places such as June this year, which was a record month.
In fact, in 2020, 54,4°C was reported in the same area, making it a crucial reference point for understanding heat waves. extremely high heat In places like Pakistan and Qatar, a trend that threatens the habitability of certain regions of the planet is also evident. These comparisons are essential to understanding the magnitude of the problem, which is also reflected in how heat affects animals.
In Europe, Sicilia holds the record with 48,8°C recorded in Syracuse in 2021, surpassing the 48°C recorded in Greece in 1977. While Cordoba's temperatures are among the highest in Europe, they are still far from the extremes recorded elsewhere in the world, underscoring the urgency of implementing effective strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change. The impact of this can be seen in .
The movements of warm air masses are also intensified by certain weather patterns. The presence of an anticyclone over southern Spain can trigger these heat waves by trapping warm air and hindering the circulation of cool winds. This meteorological phenomenon creates a "heat island," where temperatures are noticeably higher compared to surrounding areas, which is related to the heat island effect.
Impacts on health and society
The impact of extreme heat on public health is significant. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures temperatures It can lead to various health problems, such as heat exhaustion, dehydration, and the worsening of pre-existing conditions. Furthermore, vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and children, are especially susceptible to these extreme conditions. It is crucial that these factors be taken into account in the discussion about What is a heat stroke.
Heat waves also impose a significant burden on public health systems, which must be prepared to handle an increase in demand for medical care. Furthermore, heat stress can have psychological effects, such as anxiety and depression, that are often overlooked in heat wave impact assessments. In this context, effects analogous to those seen in the heat wave in Shanghai.
From an economic point of view, heat waves can affect the labor productivity, as extreme weather conditions can make outdoor and factory activities difficult. High temperatures can also reduce crop quality, which will affect food security in the long term. This aspect is reflected in the analysis of the global warming and its relationship to heat waves.
Looking Ahead
As the scientific community deepens its understanding of climate and climate change, increasingly sophisticated strategies are being developed to monitor and predict these phenomena. Measuring temperatures and collecting accurate data are essential for developing models that can anticipate future climate scenarios. The use of geographic information technology (GIS) and climate simulation models helps provide a clearer picture of how our actions may affect future climate.
To achieve real climate action, it is vital that both citizens and governments are committed to taking action. This includes promoting sustainable practices, using renewable energy, and educating people about the importance of protecting our environment. Climate change is a global challenge that requires a collective response.
The increasing frequency of heat waves highlights the need for swift and effective action. Therefore, both public policies and individual actions must align toward a common goal: mitigating the effects of climate change and adapting to a future where extreme temperatures could become the norm.