In 2023, Europe endured a record number of days in which the population experienced “thermal shocks”, that is, a sensation of temperature above 46ºC, according to data from two large climate observatories, Copernicus and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). .
“In 2023, a record number of days with 'thermal shock' was reached, equivalent to a 'felt' temperature of more than 46 ºC“said their joint report.
For this study, Copernicus and the WMO used the Universal Thermal Climate Index, which measures the effect of the environment on the human body. This index takes into account not only high temperatures, but also humidity, wind speed, sunlight and heat emitted by the environment.
The index has ten different categories of thermal stress, either heat or cold. Extreme heat stress “equals a 'felt' temperature of more than 46 degrees Celsius, at which point it is imperative to take action to avoid health risks”Emerton said.
long summer
Year 2023 It was the hottest in the world, and the oceans also recorded record levels. The summer wasn't the hottest in Europe, in fact it was the fifth, but that doesn't mean it wasn't scorching hot. Much of Europe suffered heat waves during a “prolonged summer” between June and September, Emerton explained, noting that in 2023, Europe as a whole experienced its warmest September. On July 23, 13% of European territory experienced “thermal shock”, particularly southern countries.
Data on deaths in Europe from extreme heat in 2023 is not yet available but it is estimated that tens of thousands of people died due to heat waves during equally sweltering European summers in 2003, 2010 and 2022, the report indicates.
“We see that there is excessive mortality when there are extreme heat waves as was the case in 2023,” said Álvaro Silva, WMO climatologist. “This increase in mortality… is affecting the vast majority of European regions. It is a great concern,” he added.
You can also read:
#Europeans #suffered #record #39Thermal #shocks39 #observatories