During the summer the temperatures in many parts of the world are very high. This is something that we all have assumed, but sometimes the heat can get extreme and also last several days, weeks and even months.
This phenomenon is known as heat wave, and it can have very serious consequences for health and life.
What is a heatwave?
The heat wave is a episode of abnormally high temperatures that persist for several days or weeks and that also affect a significant part of the geography of a country. How many days or weeks? The truth is that there is no "official" definition, so it is difficult to specify how many.
In Spain, it is said that it is a heat wave when extremely high temperatures are recorded (taking the period 1971-2000 as a reference) in at least 10% of the meteorological stations for at least three days. But really this threshold can vary a lot depending on the country, for example:
- In the Netherlands It is considered a heat wave when temperatures above 5ºC are recorded for at least 25 days in De Bilt, which is a municipality belonging to the province of Utrecht (Holland).
- In the United States: if temperatures above 32,2ºC are recorded for 3 days or more.
When it occurs?
The vast majority of the time occur in the canicular period, which usually occurs in summer. The Canicula It is the hottest period of the year, and it takes place between July 15 and August 15. Why are they said to be the hottest days?
We tend to think the first day of summer (June 21 in the Northern Hemisphere and December 21 in the Southern Hemisphere) is the hottest day, but this is not always the case. The planet Earth, as we know, rotates on itself, but it also tilts slightly. The day of Summer Solstice, the sun's rays reach us straighter, but since the water and the earth have only just begun to absorb heat, the temperature remains more or less stable.
Still, to As the summer progresses the ocean water, which until now refreshed the atmosphere, and the ground will have warmed up enough to start a very hot period, which can be more or less intense depending on the area in which we live. Thus, for example, in Mediterranean climates during the dog days, an extremely hot heat wave can occur. This phenomenon has been investigated and documented in several studies on the climate change.
What consequences can a heat wave have?
Although they are natural phenomena and we have no choice but to try to adapt as best we can, if we do not take the necessary measures we could suffer their consequences, which are not few.
Forest fires
When there is a heat wave during a drought, forests are in serious danger of catching fire. In 2003, In Portugal alone, fire destroyed more than 3.010 km2 of forest. These types of incidents are alarming, considering that the heat waves can contribute to increasing the frequency and severity of fires.
Mortality
Children, the elderly and those who are ill are the most vulnerable to heat waves. Continuing with the example of the one in 2003, more than 1000 deaths occurred during a week, and more than 10.000 in France. This highlights the importance of adaptation and prevention in the face of these extreme episodes.
Health
When it is very hot, our mood can change a lot, especially if we are not used to it. But when it's extremely hot, if proper measures aren't taken we could suffer a heat stroke or hyperthermia. Especially the youngest and the elderly, as well as the sick and the obese, are the highest-risk population. It is essential to understand the difference between heat stroke and heatstroke to prevent these incidents.
Power consumption
During the hottest period our electricity consumption skyrockets, not in vain, we need to cool off and for this we plug in the fans and / or turn on the air conditioning. But this can be a problem, as the increased consumption can lead to power failures, which is a growing concern in regions where heat waves are common, such as in the case of Spain, where related problems have been reported.
Most important heat waves
Heat wave in Europe, 2003
Chile, 2017
Between January 25 and 27, Chile experienced one of its worst heat waves in history. In the cities of Quillón and Cauquenes, the values were very close to 45ºC, registering 44,9ºC and 44,5ºC respectivelyThis event led to reflections on the weather conditions of that year and their comparison with others. past heat waves.
India, 2015
In the month of May, during the beginning of the dry season in India there were extreme temperatures of more than 47ºC, which led to the death of more than 2.100 people until the 31st of the month. This event underscores the growing concern about heat waves in the context of the climate change.
Europe, 2003
The 2003 heat wave was one of the most important for Europeans. Very high temperatures were recorded in southern Europe, with values such as 47,8ºC in Denia (Alicante, Spain), or 39,8ºC in Paris (France).
Passed away 14.802 people between August 1 and 15, a figure that reflects the severity of the event.
Spain, 1994
During the last week of June and the first week of July, temperatures in Spain, especially in the Mediterranean region, were extremely high, such as those in Murcia (47,2°C), Alicante (41,4°C), Huelva (41,4°C), and Palma (Mallorca) (39,4°C). This event is remembered by many people who experienced these extreme temperatures.
Tips to cope as well as possible
When there is a heat wave, you have to do whatever it takes to cope with it. Here are a few tips that may help you:
- Stay hydrated: Do not wait until thirsty to drink water. With excess heat, fluids are lost rapidly, so it is essential that the body has a constant supply of water.
- Eat fresh food: As much as you like hot dishes, during the summer and, above all, during the heat period, avoid eating them.
- Put on sunscreenWhether you go to the beach or for a walk, human skin is very sensitive and can easily burn in the sun.
- Avoid going out in the middle of the day: during this time the rays arrive much straighter, so they have a greater impact on the ground and, also, on the body.
- Protect yourself from the sunWear light-colored clothing (light color reflects sunlight), wear sunglasses, and stay in the shade to avoid problems.
Heat waves are phenomena that can occur every year. It is essential to stay protected.