Extreme Heat Waves in North and Central America: A Growing Crisis
Since the end of May, Mexico has experienced devastating heat waves, resulting in the deaths of at least 125 people, according to a study by the World Weather Attribution (WWA). This intense heatwave, which also affected countries like Guatemala, Honduras, and the southwestern United States, has been attributed to the human-induced climate crisis, which has increased the likelihood of such extreme temperatures by 35 times. The study, conducted by scientists from multiple countries, noted that maximum daytime and nighttime temperatures broke records, reaching over 113 degrees Fahrenheit for consecutive days in some regions.
The extreme heat has had severe consequences, including thousands of cases of heat stroke and electricity outages. The WWA report highlights that the full impact of these high temperatures, including the total number of deaths, may not be known for some time as they are often reported months after the events. The region has been under the influence of a high-pressure system known as a ‘heat dome,’ which traps hot air near the ground, exacerbating the situation.
Impact on Wildlife and Human Health
In addition to human casualties, the extreme heat has also affected wildlife. In Tabasco, Mexico, over 150 howler monkeys died as they could not adapt to the high temperatures. The Yucatan Peninsula recorded a maximum temperature of 51.9°C on June 13, a record high for the month. Neighboring countries like Guatemala and Honduras also saw record-breaking temperatures, and in the southwestern United States, heat alerts were issued for over 34 million people.
The WWA analysis, which included researchers from Mexico, Panama, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Sweden, found that maximum temperatures during a five-day period in May and June were significantly higher due to climate change. The heat waves are now four times more likely to occur than in 2000, and such extreme heat events are expected to happen once every fifteen years, compared to once every sixty years in the past.
The region's extreme heat was further intensified by a combination of factors, including drought, which prevented the dispersion of polluting particles and reduced water availability. The situation is aggravated by the lack of policies and adaptation measures to deal with such temperatures. Vulnerable populations, such as newborns and the elderly, are particularly at risk, and there is a need for policies to protect mobile and rural workers from high temperatures.
The health impacts of extreme heat are profound, increasing rates of cardiovascular, respiratory, and kidney diseases, and threatening the stability of electrical grids. The ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for governance and adaptation strategies to mitigate the effects of extreme heat exacerbated by climate change.
- The WWA report emphasizes that the full impact of the extreme heat may not be known for some time, as heat-related deaths are often reported months after the events. The region has been under a high-pressure system known as a ‘heat dome,’ which traps hot air near the ground and intensifies the heat.
- In addition to human casualties, the extreme heat has severely affected wildlife. Over 150 howler monkeys died in Tabasco, Mexico, as they could not adapt to the high temperatures. The Yucatan Peninsula recorded a maximum temperature of 51.9°C, a record for the month.
- Neighboring countries like Guatemala and Honduras also experienced record-breaking temperatures. In the southwestern United States, heat alerts were issued for over 34 million people, and dozens suffered heat stroke during political rallies.
- The WWA analysis found that maximum temperatures during a five-day period in May and June were significantly higher due to climate change. The heat waves are now four times more likely to occur than in 2000, and such extreme heat events are expected to happen once every fifteen years, compared to once every sixty years in the past.
- The region's extreme heat was further intensified by a combination of factors, including drought and the lack of policies and adaptation measures to deal with such temperatures. Vulnerable populations, such as newborns and the elderly, are particularly at risk, and there is a need for policies to protect mobile and rural workers from high temperatures.
- The health impacts of extreme heat are profound, increasing rates of cardiovascular, respiratory, and kidney diseases, and threatening the stability of electrical grids. The ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for governance and adaptation strategies to mitigate the effects of extreme heat exacerbated by climate change.
