On July 3, the planet experienced what could potentially be the hottest day ever recorded by humans, according to scientists from the University of Maine's Climate Reanalyzer project. High temperature records were broken in Quebec, northwestern Canada, Peru, and various cities across the United States, such as Medford, Oregon, and Tampa, Florida.
Beijing also reported a continuous stretch of nine days with temperatures exceeding 35°C (95°F) last week. Although this global record is preliminary and requires approval from esteemed climate measurement organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), it signifies that climate change is pushing us into unfamiliar territory.
These temperature readings, which accurately reflect global-scale warming, will be taken into account by NOAA when calculating the official records. Deke Arndt, the director of the National Center for Environmental Information, a division of NOAA, emphasized the significance of these figures in assessing the impact of climate change.
According to Deke Arndt, a director at the National Center for Environmental Information, while a single day's temperature observation doesn't carry as much significance as long-term measurements, it is evident that we are experiencing exceptionally warm conditions due to greenhouse gas emissions and the influence of El Niño. Climate scientists typically rely on data collected over months, years, or even decades to track global warming. It's worth noting that the record for the hottest day is based on satellite data starting from 1979, whereas NOAA's data goes back to 1880.
Arndt compared human-caused climate change to an upward escalator, steadily increasing global temperatures, while El Niño acts as a temporary boost, intensifying the warming effect. The global average temperature on July 3 was recorded at 17.01 degrees Celsius or 62.6 degrees Fahrenheit, surpassing the 17-degree Celsius threshold for the first time in the 44-year dataset. However, it's important to recognize that this record is based on a weather forecasting tool, the Climate Reanalyzer, which uses satellite data and simulations, rather than ground-based observations typically used for official record-keeping.
Higher global average temperatures have severe implications for people worldwide, leading to extreme heat conditions. Heat advisories and excessive heat warnings are in place across various regions in the United States, affecting millions of individuals in states like Oregon, California, New Mexico, Texas, Florida, and the Carolinas.
According to Erinanne Saffell, an expert in extreme weather and climate events, when temperatures rise to extreme levels, it has adverse effects on human health. People are not accustomed to such intense heat, and their bodies are not adapted to handle it. This poses a significant risk, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young individuals, who are already susceptible to heat-related illnesses even in normal conditions.
Saffell emphasizes the importance of recognizing and protecting those at risk. It is crucial to ensure that people stay hydrated, keep cool, and avoid exerting themselves outdoors. Additionally, she highlights the significance of looking out for others who may be vulnerable to heat-related health issues and taking care of their well-being.