Study Warns Heatwaves Lasting 35 Days Could Turn 60 Times More Frequent
Updated
Updated · India Today · Sep 14
Study Warns Heatwaves Lasting 35 Days Could Turn 60 Times More Frequent
3 articles · Updated · India Today · Sep 14
Summary
A Nature Geoscience study found heatwaves will grow hotter and longer at an accelerating pace, with each additional fraction of global warming extending them more than the last.
The researchers say the strongest shift will hit the longest, rarest events—some lasting weeks—as their duration and frequency rise faster than average heat extremes.
Tropical regions are projected to see the biggest changes because their temperatures vary less; summer heatwaves are also expected to lengthen faster than winter warm spells.
Equatorial Africa could see heatwaves lasting more than 35 days become 60 times more frequent in 2020-2044 than in 1990-2014, with Southeast Asia and equatorial South America also facing sharp increases.
The findings point to faster-rising risks for health, agriculture, power grids, drought and wildfires, underscoring pressure to speed adaptation even if warming itself does not accelerate.