What to know about heat waves and how heat kills
The Associated Press
Advancing the power of facts. News and services that expand the reach of factual reporting.
Hello and welcome to the AP Climate Watch newsletter. I am Natalia Gutiérrez , Climate Engagement Manager at the AP. Today I’m writing about the recent heat waves we experienced in parts of the world and why heat is so dangerous to our health and well-being.
Month after month, global temperatures are setting new records. Over 200 million people in the U.S. experienced high temperatures of at least 90 degrees this past week. Since the world is certain to have more heat waves this summer, let’s look at some of AP’s coverage to understand how dangerous heat is and how we can take care of ourselves and others.
WHAT IS A HEAT WAVE?
In the U.S., the National Weather Service defines a heat wave as a period of abnormally hot weather generally lasting more than two days. Jeff Masters, a meteorologist with Yale Climate Connections, said context and geography matter in determining what’s “abnormal” – for example, Texas and Minnesota might have the same temperatures and duration, but the conditions in Minnesota would amount to a heat wave while Texas might not.
WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF EXTREME HEAT?
Heat-related illness can be deadly if not recognized and treated early. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating and fatigue; a weak pulse; skin that’s cool, pale or clammy; and headache, dizziness, nausea and fainting. Young children and infants, pregnant women, the elderly and people with chronic medical conditions are especially vulnerable, as are those who can’t get around well or who live alone.
HOW DOES HEAT KILL?
As AP Science writer Seth Borenstein writes, heat kills in three main ways. One is heatstroke, when critical increases in body temperature cause organs to fail. Another is by the strain that heat puts on the heart. And the third main way is dehydration. Many people don’t realize the danger in being extremely dehydrated, which can severely stress kidneys. And spotting danger can be harder since heat affects the brain. It can cause a person to have confusion, or trouble thinking, several doctors said to the AP.
WHERE IS THIS HAPPENING?
Plenty of places in the northern hemisphere, including Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Greece. In Mexico monkeys have dropped dead from trees due to heatstroke and at least 125 people died, affecting the most vulnerable people in the country. ?
More than 1,300 people died during Hajj in Mecca. AP journalists saw pilgrims faint, vomit or collapse from the heat. Long-lasting heat killed more than 100 people in India and sickened hundreds more with heatstroke in Pakistan.
IS CLIMATE CHANGE TO BLAME?
Yes. Human-caused climate change made the recent heat wave in Mexico, Southwestern United States, and Central America 35 times more likely and 2.5 degrees hotter (1.4 degrees Celsius), World Weather Attribution calculated.
When the world is warmer, it is likely to have more extreme weather and climate events, including record heat and rainfall, scientists say.
HOW CAN I STAY SAFE?
There are different ways to stay safe during dangerous heat, but first, if you don’t need to go outside, stay indoors. Shelter in an air-conditioned space when you can. If you don’t have air conditioning, find out if your community will open cooling centers.
Other tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
领英推荐
WHAT IF I HAVE TO BE OUTSIDE?
Experts say that you should try to limit your sun exposure by staying in the shade or using an umbrella. Stay hydrated, and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink fluids. Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat or cap. Do what you need to get done early in the morning, before the heat grows.
If you work outside and have access to cool water, consider soaking your shirt and repeating the process every hour or whenever it dries out.
HOW DO I KEEP MY PETS SAFE?
Keep pets inside if you can, and if they must go out, make sure they have access to shade. Schedule your outdoor walks for when it’s coolest, like the early morning or evening, and protect your furry friends’ paws with breathable shoes. And of course, never leave a pet in a hot car.
IN CASE OF HEATSTROKE
Experts say a person suffering heatstroke should be moved to an air-conditioned space and offered sips of water. Loosen their clothing and apply cool, wet cloths or put them in a cool bath. Seek medical help if they vomit.
Check out all our climate coverage here.
Here’s what else you need to know
? Climate Solutions
This Massachusetts town is experimenting with community heating and cooling. It is part of a pilot climate solution that connects 37 homes and businesses with a highly efficient, underground heating and cooling system. Even taking into account that several of the buildings will be switching from natural gas to electricity, people are expected to see their electric bills drop by 20% on average. It’s a model some experts say can be scaled up and replicated elsewhere. Read the full story here.
Thank you for reading this newsletter. We’ll be back next week. For questions, suggestions or ideas please email [email protected]
This newsletter was written and produced by climate engagement manager Natalia Gutiérrez, and edited by Doug Glass, an editor for climate and environment.
?? Want more from the AP? Sign up for our other newsletters.
Ex-DG Information & Public Relations Govt. of KP
9 个月Precautionary measures mentioned are excellent but who is responsible for all this .
Independent Writing and Editing Professional
9 个月It happens every year. Relax.