Scientists predict record heat in the coming summer

 The coming summer could bring record high temperatures and humidity in many regions of the world, warn scientists from the University of California, Berkeley. The research, published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, indicates that the El Niño phenomenon is to blame for this situation, which could significantly affect the climate in the coming months.

Climatologists predict that the average maximum wet bulb temperature in tropical regions in 2024 may reach 26.2 degrees Celsius, which gives a 68% chance of breaking previous records. This includes, among others: India, much of Africa, Central and South America and Australia, but also Florida and Texas in the United States.

The combination of high temperatures and high humidity puts a serious strain on the body. The higher the humidity, the less sweat evaporates, which reduces the cooling effect and makes it more difficult to regulate body temperature within normal limits. In tropical regions where wet bulb temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius, this can lead to irreversible heat stress.

Scientists emphasize that most healthy people can tolerate dry heat, but such a heat wave can pose a serious threat, especially to the elderly, young children and people with chronic diseases. That is why it is so important for societies to be prepared for the upcoming heatwaves and take appropriate countermeasures.

The El Niño phenomenon, which is responsible for this situation, consists of anomalies in the water surface temperature in the equatorial part of the Pacific Ocean. The highest upper-level temperatures occur about five months after El Niño peaks, with the last such peak occurring in December 2023. This means that next summer may be extremely hot and humid.

Experts are calling on authorities and local communities to take action to protect residents from the upcoming heat wave. Providing access to cool shelters, water, and education on how to deal with extreme heat will be key. Only joint efforts can help minimize the negative effects of this phenomenon.