June is here, but it feels more like July or August with the scorching summer heat hitting record highs in the United States. A high-pressure weather system known as a heat dome has trapped extreme temperatures on the West Coast, causing residents to sweat it out. Now, another heat dome is bringing blistering heat to the Midwest and East Coast, with temperatures expected to reach close to 38° Celsius (100° Fahrenheit) in many cities.
Benjamin Zaitchik, a climate scientist at Johns Hopkins University, mentions that this early heat is unusual and more common for late July or early August. With heat waves becoming more frequent and intense globally, it’s evident that this is part of the climate change pattern. Early heat waves like this can be particularly dangerous as our bodies have not yet acclimatized to the extreme temperatures, making outdoor activities risky.
The HeatRisk online tool developed by U.S. public health and climate experts highlights regions where overnight temperatures are not dropping enough to provide relief, indicating extreme heat risks. This ongoing heat dome may continue to bring record-breaking temperatures, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and fatalities in the United States.
As the heatwave sweeps across the country, it’s essential to understand the impact of extreme heat on our health. Heat can be deadly, causing more fatalities in the U.S. than floods, tornadoes, or hurricanes. Our bodies have mechanisms to handle heat, but prolonged exposure can stress various systems and lead to heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Certain groups are at higher risk during heat waves, such as the unhoused, outdoor workers, and individuals with preexisting health conditions. Pregnant individuals, older adults, and people with chronic diseases may face additional challenges in regulating their body temperature and staying cool. Research shows that by 2050, a significant portion of the global population could experience extreme temperatures.
As climate change intensifies, scientists are seeing a shift towards hotter temperatures occurring earlier in the year. It’s crucial for communities to adapt and protect the most vulnerable during heatwaves. Checking on high-risk individuals, providing access to cool spaces, and ensuring public transportation services are heat-friendly are some strategies to mitigate the impact of extreme heat.
Collaborating with communities to address their needs and concerns is vital in developing effective heat adaptation strategies. The goal is to act quickly, decisively, and inclusively to prevent heat-related illnesses and fatalities. As temperatures continue to rise, it’s crucial to prioritize the well-being and safety of all individuals, especially those most at risk during heatwaves.
