The Big Story

Heat waves are different now: "We're slowly boiling ourselves"

Jun 19, 2024

Exploring the severity and evolution of heatwaves globally, including a record-breaking heatwave in India. Discussing the impact of humidity on heat perception and strategies to mitigate urban heat. Emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change to prevent the health risks posed by extreme heat events.

20:27

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Quick takeaways

The definition of extreme heat evolves as global temperatures rise, posing challenges for predicting heatwave impacts.

Humidity levels, measured by metrics like humidex and wet bulb temperature, affect how individuals cope with heat.

Deep dives

Defining Heatwaves

Heatwaves are periods of abnormally hot weather without a strict technical threshold. These events vary in duration and intensity, making their impacts challenging to predict accurately. As global temperatures rise, the definition of what constitutes extreme heat continues to evolve. An increase in both the frequency and severity of heatwaves poses significant challenges for individuals and communities alike.

Intro

2min

Understanding Heat Waves and Heat Domes

6min

The Impact of Humidity on Heat Perception

7min

Mitigating Urban Heat and Climate Change Impact

2min

The gradual increase of extreme heat events and the need for major changes to address climate change

4min

A few weeks ago, temperatures in India blasted past 50 degrees Celsius. Currently much of the United States and parts of Canada are in the grip of a heat dome that could shatter records. Summer's hot, and heat waves happen. We know this. But if a heat wave is a period of time with temperatures above normal, and the "normal" temperature keeps rising...

What do the heat waves of the future mean for us? What exactly is a "wet bulb" measurement? Which parts of the world can withstand the heat to come, and how can we prepare the ones that can't?

GUEST: Dr. Kent Moore, professor of atmospheric physics, University of Toronto

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