A groundbreaking study has uncovered a significant blind spot in our understanding of extreme heat: nighttime temperatures are rising rapidly, which poses a serious risk to human health, especially in cities across the Global South.
Led by climatologist Larry Kalkstein, who is also the Chief Heat Science Advisor at Climate Resilience for All, the research analyzed data from cities worldwide. The findings indicate that high nighttime temperatures prevent the human body from cooling down, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and cardiovascular stress.
“Before this analysis, we were unaware of how quickly nighttime heat has been rising in the most dangerous air masses,” Kalkstein stated. “It is crucial for us to understand how summer heat— which sends people to the emergency room— is shifting, along with what we overlook when discussing it.”
The study’s findings have urgent implications for cities like Freetown, Sierra Leone, where Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr is spearheading initiatives to combat extreme heat. “This study reflects the lived realities of many cities in the Global South,” she remarked. “Most of our residents lack access to cooling, and women market traders facing extreme heat all day return to homes that are dangerously hot at night.”
Kathy Baughman McLeod, CEO of Climate Resilience for All, stressed the need for policymakers to take action. “We want this analysis to motivate city and health leaders to broaden their perspective on what constitutes a 24-hour heat crisis,” she said. “This research uncovers a critical blind spot in our understanding of extreme heat.”
The study recommends revising heat warning systems to consider nighttime temperatures and urges cities to prioritize nighttime cooling strategies. Suggested strategies include improved urban design, energy-efficient housing, and plans for responding to heat emergencies.
As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, this research serves as a vital reminder of the importance of addressing extreme heat and protecting vulnerable communities.
Global, regional, and city-level data visualizations for the cities involved in the study can be accessed via this link.
About the Study
The study utilized the Spatial Synoptic Classification to identify weather types that are most harmful to human health, providing new insights into the effects of nighttime heat.
About Climate Resilience for All
Climate Resilience for All is a global adaptation NGO dedicated to protecting the health, income, and dignity of women who are on the frontlines of extreme heat.
Source: www.climatewatchonline.comh, income, and dignity of women who are on the frontlines of extreme heat.
Source: www.climatewatchonline.comh, income, and dignity of women who are on the frontlines of extreme heat.
Source: www.climatewatchonline.comh, income, and dignity of women who are on the frontlines of extreme heat.
Source: www.climatewatchonline.comh, income, and dignity of women who are on the frontlines of extreme heat.
Source: www.climatewatchonline.comh, income, and dignity of women who are on the frontlines of extreme heat.
Source: www.climatewatchonline.com
