As temperatures continue to climb, StatisNostics investigates the fatal impact of climate change on summer heatwaves.
Date Published
June 20, 2024 marked the Summer Solstice which means that summer has officially begun. However, high temperatures have already inflicted severe damage to individuals worldwide. Due to human-induced climate change, heatwaves in both the U.S. and Mexico are 35 times more likely. As carbon and greenhouse gas emissions remain on the rise, they trap the sun’s heat which forces the temperature to rise with them. How dangerous are these heat waves, and what do they mean for global citizens?
In the U.S., Southwest and Southern states have been affected the most. On June 6, the recorded temperature in Las Vegas, Nevada was 111°F. In Phoenix, Arizona, the temperature reached 112°F, and Death Valley, California reached a high of 122°F. South Florida has seen higher temperatures than normal with a recorded daily high of 96°F in mid-May.
Texas is also feeling the heat as temperatures are expected to see triple digits in the coming months. This high heat is especially dangerous for Texans, as the state is still recovering from the deadly storms that took place over Memorial Day weekend, leaving millions without power and towns wrecked by hail and strong winds. The increase in temperatures could also increase the likelihood of severe storms happening in the future. According to StatisNostics, a database that utilizes U.S. government census data, Houston, Texas has a hurricane FEMA Risk score of 90/100 and a tornado FEMA Risk score of 81/100. Austin has a tornado risk score of 99 and a hail risk score of 100. The heat produced by climate change only enhances these risks.
StatisNostics displays the FEMA Risk data in both Houston, TX and Austin, TX.
In Mexico, the violent heat continues to claim the lives of residents. Already this year, at least 125 people have died due to the heat waves in Mexico, and that number is expected to grow. On top of the tragic deaths, thousands of people are suffering from sunburns, dehydration, and heat stroke. And people aren’t the only victims of this climate crisis. Howler monkeys and native tropical birds have been dropping dead from trees because of the heat waves as well.
As the heat rises, hope dwindles for many who are questioning if a long-term solution to climate change is even feasible. Climate scientists universally agree that it’s imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate their harmful effects. Without these decrements, the planet will, as economist Paul Krugman warns, “continue to cook.”
Want more information about the FEMA risks in your area? Visit www.statisnostics.com. By entering your address in the search bar, you can gain information about your city/town’s climate data, public safety, health, real estate, schools, economics, demographics, and government.
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