The dreaded heat waves are an increasingly normal phenomenon during the summer months. During the last years, Spain is experiencing increasingly intense episodes with temperatures that easily exceed the stifling barrier of 40 degrees., making the days unbearable and endless. But have you ever wondered why why such heat waves occur?
For a few days, Spain has been suffering what is popularly known as a heat wave. Temperatures easily exceed 40 degrees for 3 or more days, making the environment practically unbreathable. and you can't be out on the street until dark. The vast majority of meteorologists say this is due to the warm winds that blow from Africa towards the peninsula.
These experts believe that heat waves are becoming more frequent and with much higher temperatures than a few years ago. This fact is due to the serious effects that climate change has on the entire planet every day. Currently, and according to fairly reliable data, Spain is experiencing a heat wave every 5 years, while half a century ago it was something very abnormal and occurred every 20 years.
The dangerous increase in temperature, the melting that the entire Arctic area is suffering and the advance of climate change These are the dangerous factors that are causing heat waves to become increasingly common and longer in areas of the planet like Spain. Therefore, it is important for people to become increasingly aware that climate change is something truly serious and can cause serious problems on the planet, such as stifling heat waves.
What is a heatwave?
A heat wave is a meteorological event characterized by a prolonged period of time in which temperatures temperatures remain abnormally high compared to historical averages for the affected region. According to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET)A heat wave is defined as an episode of at least three consecutive days where at least 10% of meteorological stations record temperatures above the 95% percentile of their historical series of daily maximum temperatures for the months of July and August, in the period from 1971 to 2000.
For its part, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) It establishes that a heat wave is considered to be a period of at least five consecutive days where the maximum daily temperatures are at least 5 degrees Celsius higher than the average maximum temperature corresponding to that period.
Causes of heat waves
Heat waves are caused by various factors, including the arrival of warm air masses from other regions, as commonly occurs with air from the Sahara Desert in Spain. This phenomenon is intensified by the high atmospheric pressure (anticyclones), which can remain stationary for several days, thus preventing the passage of cooler and wetter weather systems.
Additionally, the Greenhouse, resulting from the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, causes a gradual increase in global temperatures, which in turn contributes to the intensification of heat waves. Human activity, such as the burning of fossil fuels, increases the concentration of these gases and, consequently, raises temperatures, making heat waves that were previously rare more common and severe.
In fact, a recent study estimates that Warm air masses are, on average, 1,3 degrees warmer than in 1980, which reflects how the climate has changed, affecting the frequency and intensity of these extreme events. Statistically, heat waves have increased in occurrence, becoming ten times more frequent in the first two decades of the 80st century than in the 90s and XNUMXs.
Heat waves and climate change
Heat waves are a clear example of the most visible and alarming effects of climate change. According to the latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)The number of heat waves is increasing across the globe, and this trend is expected to continue in the future. This is because a warmer climate can intensify other weather phenomena, thus increasing the severity of heat waves.
The relationship is direct: as the climate warms, the conditions necessary for heat waves to occur become more common and extreme. As a result, days of extreme heat have increased and temperatures that are currently considered normal In some regions, they may become new historical highs in the coming years.
Consequences of heat waves
Heat waves have a number of environmental and social consequences. Among the most notable are:
- Impact on public health: High temperatures can lead to increased mortality, especially among the most vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, children, and people with pre-existing conditions. In Europe, more than 60,000 deaths heat-related illnesses during the 2022 heat wave.
- Impact on agriculture: Extreme heat conditions can damage crops and reduce agricultural production, which in turn affects food security and the supply of basic goods.
- Increase in energy consumption: Heat waves often lead to increased use of air conditioning and refrigeration systems, which puts additional pressure on power grids and increases the risk of power outages.
- Extreme Weather Events: Heat waves can trigger droughts and increase the risk of wildfires, causing significant damage to ecosystems and biodiversity.
Recommendations for dealing with heat waves
It is essential that people be aware of the risks associated with heat waves and take appropriate measures to protect themselves. Some recommendations include:
- Staying hydrated: Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty.
- Avoid the direct exposure to the sun: Limit outdoor activities during the hottest hours (between 12 noon and 6 p.m.).
- Wear light clothing: Wear light-colored, lightweight clothing to help keep your body cool.
- Pay attention to vulnerable people: Ensure that the elderly, children, and people with health conditions receive the necessary assistance.
