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EXTREME WEATHER
The world is witnessing unprecedented changes in weather patterns, as high temperatures are increasing and low temperatures decreasing. In July 2023, records were broken for the hottest day on record over a four-day span. Over the past decade, hot days have surpassed cold days by at least two to one ratio across the continental United States compared to nearly equal occurrences in the 1950s.
Heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense throughout North America, particularly in the western region where records may still be held from drought conditions exacerbated by farmland conversion. If greenhouse gas emissions are not significantly reduced, temperatures are projected to rise by at least 5 degrees Fahrenheit over most areas by mid-century with an increase of up to 10 degrees F by late century.
Heat waves combined with high humidity pose significant threats due to the heat indexa measure that combines temperature and humidity conditions. A recent study suggests that the annual number of days experiencing a heat index over 100°F will more than double, while days above 105°F will triple across the United States when compared to historical records.
The rise in total U.S. heat wave days underscores the increasing danger from extreme temperatures, threatening people, ecosystems, and economies alike.
Health Impacts
Extreme heat is one of the leading causes of weather-related fatalities in the U.S., causing an average of more than 600 deaths annually between 1999-2009. Heat waves rank among the top six deadliest disasters since 1980 as listed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Billion Dollar Weather Disasters database.
Heat stress, characterized by the body's inability to cool efficiently, becomes critical in conditions of high humidity and temperature elevations during both day and night, especially for those lacking adequate cooling options. This exacerbates risks for vulnerable populations including the elderly, infants, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
Agricultural sectors are also impacted as heat waves can lead to reduced crop yields due to unfavorable growing conditions, and increase livestock stress resulting in declines in milk production, slower growth rates, and lower conception chances.
Energy Sector Implications
The energy system experiences significant impacts from warmer temperatures. Increased electricity demand for cooling during summer months can outstrip the transmission line capabilities, potentially leading to power outages during heatwaves. Warmer winters reduce heating needs but could lead to an overall increase in total U.S. energy usage due to higher demand.
As rivers and lakes warm, their capacity to absorb waste heat from power plants decreases. This reduces thermal efficiency and poses compliance challenges for environmental regulations regarding water cooling temperatures, which could result in plant shutdowns.
Building Resilience
Strategies for mitigating the effects of extreme heat are detled in our publication Resilience Strategies for Extreme Heat. These strategies include:
Implementing vulnerability assessments to identify at-risk populations and developing comprehensive heat response plans that cater to all community members. This can involve opening cooling centers during peak heat events and establishing workplace heat safety protocols.
Adopting cool roofs, green roofs, and cool pavements to alleviate the urban heat island effect.
Planting trees for shade and utilizing evapotranspiration to cool r in urban areas.
Enhancing energy efficiency initiatives to reduce strn on electricity grids, particularly during times of high demand like heatwaves.
The Climate Mapping for Resilience and Adaptation portal empowers communities with real-time data on wildfire risk, drought conditions, flooding, and extreme heat across the country.
Additional Resources
To delve deeper into resilience strategies, you may refer to our publications Nature-Based Solutions for Resilient, Equitable Cities, Cities Advancing Climate Action: Federal Funds for Local Impact, and The Climate Resilience-Economy Nexus: Advancing Common Goals.
For more information on addressing climate change impacts visit our website.
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Unprecedented Changes in Global Weather Patterns Heat Waves Increasing Frequency and Intensity Rising Temperatures Threatening Health and Economy Agricultural Impacts from Extreme Heat Events Energy Sector Stress Under Warmer Climate Conditions Building Resilience Strategies for Extreme Heat