Meteorologists attribute the extreme heat to winds carrying warm, moist air northward from the equator. Millions of people in Mexico, Central America, and parts of the US, including Texas and Florida, have been sweltering in excessive heat. Energy grids are strained as residents try to stay cool, and the heat has even caused the death of Howler monkeys in Mexico, with over two dozen heat-related fatalities reported since March. Experts warn that the worst may still be ahead.
In Guatemala, the heat and forest fires have prompted authorities to ban outdoor activities at schools in the capital city. Meteorologists have attributed the extreme conditions to a weather phenomenon known as a heat dome. This weather pattern traps hot air over a region, with temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) in some areas.
A heat dome occurs when a ridge of high pressure becomes stationary in the atmosphere, trapping hot ocean air beneath it like a lid on a boiling pot. The hot air expands vertically, and high pressure pushes it back toward the ground. With nowhere to escape, the air compresses, trapping even more heat underneath. While winds can usually move high pressure around, the heat dome’s vast size and extension deep into the atmosphere render these weather systems nearly stationary. A heat dome can cause temperatures to soar well above normal levels.
As the ground heats up, it loses moisture, increasing the risk of wildfires. With low rainfall expected in many of the regions affected by the heat dome, experts warn of an elevated risk of blazes. Since 1950, heatwaves have become increasingly common and prolonged worldwide, according to a study by scientists from UNSW Sydney and UNSW Canberra. The Mediterranean has experienced an average increase of two and a half heatwave days per decade since 1950, while the Amazon rainforest has seen an increase of five and a half days during the same period. The most significant increases have occurred since 1999.
Heatwaves also raise the likelihood of prolonged droughts and wildfires. Southern Europe has already experienced severe blazes and a lack of rainfall this summer. Heatwaves pose health risks as well. Last year’s exceptionally hot and dry summer in Europe is estimated to have caused thousands of deaths. The consequences are even more severe in cities, where buildings, pavement, and concrete create an ‘urban heat island’ effect. In Europe, 75% of the population resides in urban areas, making heatwave mitigation a pressing concern.
Innovative solutions are being explored. For instance, Portland libraries are being utilized as cooling centers. But what are the most effective strategies for heatproofing cities? Experts suggest three primary approaches to mitigate heatwave impacts, along with three personal strategies for managing heat. One effective personal method involves increasing tree cover in cities, which can significantly lower temperatures. Trees absorb water through their roots and release it into the atmosphere through transpiration, cooling their surroundings. Research indicates that, for optimal effects, canopy cover should reach 40%. Barcelona, already known for its tree cover at 25.2%, has a long-term plan to increase it to 30% by 2037. This is a wise move, as southern Europe is projected to suffer from increasingly frequent heatwaves due to climate change.
Trees aren’t the only plant-based solution. Adding vegetation to buildings has gained attention as a cooling strategy. Like trees, plants reflect sunlight and cool the atmosphere through transpiration, providing benefits when placed over heat-absorbing concrete. Urban planting initiatives are underway in Paris, and architect Stefano Boeri has pioneered innovative designs in Italy.
Fountains, often seen as embellishments, can significantly cool urban environments. Water absorbs and transfers heat (making moving fountains more effective than stagnant ponds for temperature reduction), provides drinking water for thirsty residents, and lowers air temperature through evaporation. The City of London’s adaptation plan includes constructing more fountains, and in Thessaloniki, Greece, Chrimatistiriou Square features a bioclimatic design with water features to alleviate the sweltering Mediterranean heat.
In terms of personal heat management, ditching coconut water is a good starting point. While it may seem like a natural hydrating beverage, coconut farming can be detrimental to tropical biodiversity. A more ethical alternative is peppermint tea, as mint can be grown in various climates and even sourced locally or cultivated in one’s backyard. A peppermint teabag in cold water can provide cooling relief, as peppermint stimulates cold receptors in the body.
A more eco-friendly alternative to air conditioning is creating a cross breeze using a fan and an open window. Positioning the fan across the room from the window will generate a cooling airflow, ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep. For particularly hot nights, placing a frozen water bottle in front of the fan provides additional cooling and leaves you with a refreshing beverage in the morning.
