How does climate change impact humid heat waves? A recent study published in Science Advances dives into this question. Researchers focused on atmospheric inversion, a phenomenon that may be increasing the severity of humid heat waves, especially in the Midwest.
Traditionally, humid heat waves are common in tropical regions. However, they are now appearing in higher latitude areas, possibly due to climate change. The study found that atmospheric inversions trap heat and pollution close to the ground, leading to more intense humid heat events in the Midwest.
Dr. Talia Tamarin-Brodsky, an assistant professor at MIT and co-author of the study, noted, “In a future climate for the Midwest, we may see more severe thunderstorms alongside extreme humid heat waves.” This insight highlights the risk these communities face as they become hot spots for intense weather events.
Current data shows that extreme heat waves are on the rise. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), July 2023 was one of the hottest months recorded globally. It’s clear that climate change is reshaping our weather patterns, leading to more frequent and severe weather events.
Looking ahead, what will researchers discover about atmospheric inversion? The future of this science remains to be seen, but this study emphasizes the urgent need to address climate change.
For more information, you can check out the sources: Science Advances and EurekAlert!.
