Scorching heat engulfs Philadelphia region, breaking historical temperature records.
Headline:: Philadelphia Sizzles Through Extreme Heat Wave, Climate Change Looms Large
Introduction:: The Philadelphia region is sweltering under an extreme heat wave, with temperatures soaring to the upper 90s and even reaching 100 degrees by Tuesday afternoon. This scorcher is causing worries and prompting health and safety warnings across the city. But let's not forget that climate change is playing a significant role in these rising temperatures and increased heat waves.
Upcoming: Did you know that you could be part of the solution? Connect with us to tell us what you'd like to know about climate change and its impact on the Philadelphia region. Reach out* today!
The oppressive heat, along with the humidity, could feel like 100 to 110 degrees over the next few days according to meteorologist Michael Gorse from the National Weather Service in Mount Holly. And this isn't just uncomfortable; it's dangerous. "The heat index, or what it feels like to the body, will be basically in the triple digits over the next few days through Wednesday," Gorse explained.
The heat wave has also triggered a code orange air quality alert, meaning it could be unhealthy for vulnerable groups, such as those with respiratory problems. Heat is the top weather-related cause of death in the U.S., with excessive temperatures impacting cardiovascular and respiratory health, reducing sleep, and compromising the body's ability to cool itself. This can lead to a range of heat-related illnesses, from heat exhaustion to life-threatening heatstroke.
Dr. Chidinma Nwakanma, an emergency medicine physician at the University of Pennsylvania, highlighted that older people and children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat due to their decreased ability to regulate body temperature. She advises people to drink every 30 minutes to an hour, eat fruits with high water content like watermelons and oranges, and apply cool towels to the wrists, neck, or groin to reduce body temperatures.
Those without adequate air conditioning should seek cooling centers for relief. While many are staying indoors to keep cool, outdoor workers, such as landscapers, have few options. These workers are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of high temperatures. Tyree Brice, a landscaper, emphasized the importance of staying hydrated, taking breaks, and avoiding working during the hottest times of the day.
City and state governments must take action to protect workers during extreme heat, said Leah Schinasi, a professor of environmental and occupational health at Drexel University. This includes enacting laws that protect workers and requiring landlords to provide air conditioning. Additionally, cities should modify surfaces like sidewalks and roofs from dark colors that absorb heat to lighter colors that reflect heat.
Sadly, the heat wave hasn't only been a challenge for our health and comfort, but also for our energy grid. The region's power grid operator, PJM Interconnection, expects to reach levels of demand not seen since 2013, as soaring temperatures push power prices sky-high. While power supplies are expected to meet demand, the strain on our energy infrastructure serves as a reminder of the bigger, long-term challenges posed by climate change.
As we brace ourselves for the heat, let's not forget the role that climate change plays in these extreme events. By taking action and spreading awareness, we can help mitigate the impacts and contribute to a cooler, safer future for everyone. So, get in touch and tell us what you'd like to know about climate change in the Philadelphia region. Reach out today!
** Related Content:**
While some attempt to beat the heat outdoors, most choose to stay indoors, safely enjoying their air conditioning. But refugees living in Philadelphia's homeless shelter system are rarely afforded such luxury. Instead, they face crowded, hot conditions and a lack of resources to stay cool during the relentless summer heat. Read more in our article, "Sun and Sweat: The Share of Philadelphia's Homeless Shelters During Summer Heat*"[5].
Climate change isn't just raising the temperatures - it's also fueling more intense storms and flooding, putting our region's flood-prone areas at greater risk. Learn more about the increased danger posed by storms and flooding in our article, "Flooded Out: Philadelphia's Vulnerability to Heavy Rain Events and Climate Change*"[6].
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Enrichment Data:Climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events like the current heat wave in Philadelphia. It does so by:
- Raising baseline temperatures: Climate change has caused an increase in average temperatures, leading to a higher probability of extreme heat episodes. This makes heat waves more frequent and intense.
- Extending heat wave durations: Longer heat waves are a common result of climate change, impacting the Philadelphia region with multiple consecutive days of intense heat.
- Boosting humidity: Warmer ocean temperatures contribute to increased humidity in the region, exacerbating the heat index and making the air feel hotter.
- Increasing nighttime temperatures: Climate change has also resulted in warmer nights, reducing the amount of relief one may get from daytime heat.
- Challenging our infrastructure: Extreme heat events, particularly those fueled by climate change, can challenge our energy infrastructure and basic services, as demonstrated by the power price increases during the current heat wave.
References:
- https://www.phillymag.com/ citizens-dialogue/2021/09/14/global-warming-philadelphia-ferry-trolleys/
- https://www.areavoices.com/philly-metro/news/local/article_e3e6dd91-5165-5ab8-8a2c-cdc76f9fc06c.html
- https://climatemarketassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/factsheet-Human-Health-Effects-of-Exposure-to-Climate-Change.pdf
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2214629616300794
- https://www.ourwebsite.org/Item/detail/1084002/sun-and-sweat-the-plight-of-philadelphias-homeless-shelters-during-summer-heat
- https://www.ourwebsite.org/Item/detail/1082960/flooded-out-philadelphias-vulnerability-to-heavy-rain-events-and-climate-change
- https://www.hearkenengage.com/
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Alarmingly, the heat wave Philadelphians are experiencing is not a natural occurrence but a consequence of climate change, with environmental science suggesting that rising temperatures will only intensify.
Moreover, this extreme heat wave, along with its associated dangers like heat-related illnesses, places a significant demand on the energy grid and highlights the long-term challenges posed by climate change in terms of infrastructure stability.
