Extreme heat is a growing danger, claiming more lives in the U.S. than any other weather disaster. According to a recent report, around the world, extreme heat now kills one person every minute, a rate that has risen by 23% since the 1990s. Vulnerable groups include outdoor workers, older adults, children, and those with chronic health conditions. Understanding the risks of heat and how to stay safe is crucial as record-breaking temperatures become more common.
The Increasing Threat of Extreme Heat
Hot regions are becoming hotter, and areas that traditionally experience mild climates are now facing dangerous heat levels. Climate change significantly contributes to the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Scientific consensus indicates that climate change has made almost all heat waves more likely or severe. Additionally, natural events like the El Niño weather pattern can further intensify global heat, leading to record-breaking temperatures.
A heat wave is defined as a period of unusually high temperatures, but the most hazardous heat waves occur due to a phenomenon called a heat dome. This occurs when a high-pressure system traps hot air in one area, causing temperatures and humidity to rise dangerously over time.
Health Risks Associated with Extreme Heat
Exposure to extreme heat has immediate and severe health effects. The heart must pump significantly more blood to cool the body, which can lead to dehydration and heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Each year, hundreds of thousands in the U.S. visit emergency rooms due to heat-related issues.
