A fun song, but the weather that is coming isn’t anything to sing about.
We’re having a heat wave, a tropical heat wave.”
A fun song, but the weather that is coming isn’t anything to sing about.
Think it’s hot today? “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet, B-B-B-Baby!”
Ok, maybe there is a little to sing about. With the way this country is heading, we need to find something to wipe away our tears. But this isn’t a happy song.
THIS IS A CLIMATE CRISIS!
In recent decades, the “feels-like” temperature, or heat index, has topped 90°F in New Hampshire for a few days a year, and the state’s heat index has almost never topped 100°F. When temperatures reach or exceed 100°the most sensitive populations (including the elderly and sick), and outdoor workers can begin to suffer heat stress or other related illnesses. (1)
Now, new research (2) says that this will change by mid-century, even if we begin a rapid response to climate change.
By 2100, if emissions don’t decrease, the study finds New Hampshire will see nearly 50 days a year with a heat index above 90°F. Around 10 to 20 days a year will feel hotter than 100°F, and at least one day a year will feel hotter than 120°F. (1)
With no action on climate change, much of NH will experience off-the-charts heat index by late century. (3) Imagine seven weeks or more per year when it “feels like” 100° or more. (4)
Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow, when the temperatures are always unbearably hot? Our food supply will be impacted, believe it or not. How will crops and livestock hold up with the heat? And the droughts that accompany heatwaves, how will they
Wake up, America. Climate Change is real.
Say “Bye-bye” to maple syrup. And a whole lot more.
Weather reports say the temperature in NYC is likely to reach 109° this weekend, while Salem is likely to reach 100° degrees. Be sure to check on your neighbors, especially the elderly.
Sources:
1.) Study: N.H. Will Soon See Extreme Heat Like Southeastern U.S. If Carbon Emissions Don’t Decline
https://www.nhpr.org/post/study-nh-will-soon-see-extreme-heat-southeastern-us-if-carbon-emissions-don-t-decline?fbclid=IwAR3y9oA7jGeqMI_-hB96xyIjBtBUsgsBHBNoTtd3jYoddyagVnUrXP3Wvi4#stream/0
2.) Killer Heat in the United States: Climate Choices and the Future of Dangerously Hot Days (2019)
https://www.ucsusa.org/global-warming/global-warming-impacts/killer-heat-in-united-states
3.) Killer Heat in the United States: The Future of Dangerously Hot Days
https://ucsusa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=e4e9082a1ec343c794d27f3e12dd006d
4.) Northeast Region Areas to Endure Seven Weeks or More a Year When “Feels Like” Temperature Exceeds 100 degrees.
https://www.ucsusa.org/press/2019/northeast-region-areas-endure-seven-weeks-or-more-year-when-feels-temperature-exceeds-100
Image from: https://weather.com/forecast/regional/news/2019-07-13-heat-wave-midwest-plains-east