What's Behind the Heat Wave Scorching the Planet
Record temperatures and climate change impacts are being felt on a global scale.
1Global Temperature Records Shattered
Western Europe experienced its hottest June on record and faced unprecedented wildfires in July. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the combination of extreme heat and intense fires has created 'the toughest situation since World War II.' Hundreds of heat records have been broken across Europe, from Spain to Germany.
2Extreme Heat Warnings in Western US
From California coast to the Rockies, the western US is bracing for high temperatures this weekend. Phoenix is expected to reach 115°F (46°C), while Salt Lake City could see a record 106°F. Parts of Montana may exceed 110°F. These hot, dry conditions threaten to intensify existing wildfires across the state.
3Asia Also Battling Scorching Heat
Parts of Asia including South Korea and Japan are grappling with extreme heat. Unusually warm ocean waters around Japan and China are fueling heat waves in the region. In short, large portions of weather maps are painted red with heat warnings.
4Heat Domes and Jet Stream Effects
The sweltering temperatures are partly driven by heat domes - high-pressure areas that trap sunny skies and warmth. The shape of the jet stream is causing these high-pressure systems to become stationary. This air current blowing west to east around the northern hemisphere creates and directs most weather patterns we experience.
5Oceans Running a Fever
Jennifer Francis from Woodwell Climate Research Center states 'The seas around Europe are running a fever.' These elevated ocean temperatures are directly linked to decades of heat-trapping carbon pollution we've emitted. About 90% of trapped heat goes into oceans, and we're feeling the consequences this summer.
6Fossil Fuels' Critical Role
A recent analysis found June's deadly European heat wave that killed over 1,000 people wouldn't have been possible without the extra heat from fossil fuel burning. This starkly demonstrates human-caused climate change's direct impact on extreme weather events.
7El Niño's Unexpected Impacts
El Niño developing in the Pacific Ocean since June is also contributing to this summer's heat. Pacific temperatures were already unseasonably warm before El Niño's effects began. Climate scientist Daniel Swain notes this phenomenon - characterized by hot ocean temperatures - will continue driving sea surface temperatures higher as it strengthens.
8A Potentially Historic El Niño Event
Swain says, 'This is shaping up to potentially be the strongest El Niño we've ever observed by a significant margin. It's trending toward becoming an unprecedented event. And we've never experienced such an event with baseline global temperatures already this warm.' This extreme forecast may challenge scientific understanding of climate phenomena.
Original article: Science Latest — Dünyayı Kavuran Sıcak Dalgasının Arkasındaki Nedenler