The waves of heat are natural phenomena that are part of our climate system. However, with human-induced temperature rises, these waves promise to be warmer, longer duration and spread geographically. The heat waves long and extreme are a threat to human health (estimate of six deaths per 100,000 inhabitants each year in North America for 2000-2019) and to the health of our environment, which makes it an important subject of study.
The cases of heat waves in North America are well known, with records of 49.6°C broken in June 2021 in Lytton, British Columbia; which represents an increase of 4.6°C compared to the previous heat peak. However, a new survey published in Science Advancesby a team of researchers from the University of Bristol, reveals that there have been, since 1960, five other more devastating heat waves which have gone unnoticed.
The most extreme heat waves since 1960
These heat waves are not the highest recorded temperature values, but are defined as heat peaks that are significantly higher than the average temperature a region usually experiences. Of these waves, the three hottest on record were in Southeast Asia with 32.8°C in April 1998, Brazil with a peak of 36.5°C in November 1985, and the southern United States. United with 38.4°C in July 1980.
The reason why these waves went unnoticed would probably come from their occurrence in more disadvantaged countries. However, it is necessary to identify andassess the damage what can cause these heat waves, with respect to local temperature variability. Indeed, it is necessary to have a better understanding of the climatic extremes so that our species and ecosystems can adapt and be less vulnerable. It is for this purpose that the team of scientists from the University of Bristol modeled the behavior of heat waves for the rest of this century. The most glaring observation from these simulations is that the intensity levels of heat waves will increase with the rise in global temperatures.
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