heat waves
Coverage of heat waves in the Nexus archive.
- New Heat Rules Limit When Utilities Can Cut Off Your Power
California's Public Utilities Commission voted to lower the temperature threshold from 100 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, preventing utilities from cutting power to delinquent customers during heatwaves. The decision addresses concerns about climate change intensifying heatwaves and limiting access to power for unpaid bills.
- New heat rules limit when utilities can cut off your power
California's Public Utilities Commission lowered the temperature threshold from 100 to 90 degrees to prevent power shutoffs for delinquent customers during heatwaves. Two new laws address heat safety in schools, requiring heat-safety plans and education on heat illness, though critics note they lack funding for infrastructure improvements.
- As Climate Extremes Collide, Attribution Science Evolves
A National Academy of Sciences report highlights that climate attribution science has shifted focus from determining if human-caused global warming drives extreme events like heat waves, floods, and wildfires to assessing how severe future impacts will become as these events increasingly overlap.
- German tenants need better heat protection
Heat waves are becoming longer, hotter, and more frequent, causing tenants in Germany to struggle with record temperatures. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that the building law needs to be amended.
- Baton Rouge General’s Health Tip of the Week: Heat waves may double risk of heart attack
Baton Rouge General warns that heat waves can double the risk of heart attacks by increasing heart workload and causing dehydration. High-risk groups include those with heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or over 65. Prevention tips include staying hydrated, avoiding afternoon heat, and seeking air-conditioned spaces.
- Lack of trees causing heat waves, other climate-induced events in Karnataka rain monsoon
The lack of trees in Karnataka is causing heat waves and other climate-induced events during the rain monsoon. An environmentalist is urging afforestation efforts to address rising temperatures.
- In wake of record-breaking heat waves in Pa., experts reflect on preparing for the future
A study by John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health highlights the severe impacts of extreme heat, including 300 deaths, 4,000 emergency department visits, and $870 million in economic costs in a hypothetical scenario. Pennsylvania recently experienced a heat wave with 1,345 heat-related emergency department visits and seven reported deaths, prompting discussions on preparedness. Climate change is linked to increasing heat wave frequency, with Washington state’s 2021 heat dome causing over 100 deaths.
- At least 11 killed by wildfire in southern Spain
At least 11 people were killed by a wildfire in southern Spain. The cause of the blaze remains undetermined, but Spain has experienced severe heat waves with temperatures reaching nearly 106 degrees in the southern regions.
- From heat waves to flooding: How they’re connected
The Carolinas have experienced consecutive weather extremes, including heat waves and flooding, linked by a warming climate. Rising temperatures increase atmospheric moisture, intensifying rainfall and flash flooding during storms. Climate experts warn that extreme heat and heavy rainfall events will become more common in summer months.
- As climate change damages streets and highways, the road ahead may be expensive
Climate change is causing more intense heat waves that are damaging roads and highways. The article questions whether the nation's roads can withstand a warmer, wetter future.
- LISTEN: A 78 Degree Meltdown About Mamdani
Zohran Mamdani advised New Yorkers to set air conditioners to 78 degrees during a heat wave, a practice previously used by mayors, but faced criticism. Hosts Katie Honan and Harry Siegel discussed the issue with Alex Brook Lynn, covering topics like heat waves and swimming in the Seine. The nonprofit newsroom THE CITY relies on reader donations for local reporting.
- Firefighters battle wildfires across southern Europe
Wildfires are raging across several parts of southern Europe, with firefighters working to battle the fires. These wildfires follow massive heat waves affecting the region.
- Why heat waves heighten the risk of blackouts
Heat waves increase electricity demand for air conditioning, straining power grids and raising blackout risks. France and the US are experiencing heightened risks, with energy prices rising during peak usage periods.
- Aging Untold: The ‘Double-decker sandwich’ — when both sets of parents need care
The article discusses the 'double-decker sandwich' caregiving challenge where couples care for both sets of parents, along with heat risks for older adults, non-smoking lung cancer causes like radon, and a Vermont woman's global teddy bear initiative for traumatized children.
- Heat waves and older adults: Warning signs and how to cool down fast
Older adults are more vulnerable to heat-related health risks during heat waves due to reduced temperature regulation and medication effects. Early warning signs include dehydration, nausea, headaches, and confusion, while cooling strategies like damp cloths and air conditioning are recommended to mitigate risks.
- Heat waves and older adults: Warning signs and how to cool down fast
Older adults face higher risks during heat waves due to reduced temperature regulation and medication effects. Early warning signs include dehydration, confusion, and lack of sweating, while cooling strategies like damp cloths and air conditioning are recommended. Dementia increases vulnerability by impairing temperature control.
- Heat waves and older adults: Warning signs and how to cool down fast
Older adults are more vulnerable to heat-related health risks during heat waves due to reduced temperature regulation and medication effects. Early warning signs include dehydration, behavioral changes, confusion, and lack of sweating. Cooling strategies like using damp cloths and checking in on at-risk individuals are recommended, especially for those with dementia.
- As heat waves loom, scientists wonder how humans will adapt
Temperatures are set to soar in the US around the July 4 holiday, a week after Europe struck new records. Experts predict more intense and frequent heat waves in the future, raising questions about human adaptation.
- Heat adds to strains on areas with data centers, raising the temperature on AI debates
Heat waves in the U.S. are straining power grids and worsening air quality near data centers, particularly in Lowell, Massachusetts' Sacred Heart neighborhood. Residents like Eileen Castle express concerns about environmental and health impacts from industrial cooling systems and diesel generators. Experts warn that data centers' energy and water demands during extreme heat could harm local air quality.
- STAT+: More frequent, more intense, and longer heat waves pose health risks for Americans
The article discusses increased health risks from more frequent and intense heat waves in the U.S. and details the revival of the presidential fitness test, which includes core strength, cardio, and upper-body strength categories with age and gender benchmarks.
- Hospitals in Europe are gearing up for the next heat wave armed with lessons from this one
Hospitals in Europe are preparing for future heat waves after a record-breaking one overwhelmed medical facilities, with Paris-Saclay Hospital ordering an ice machine following shortages during the crisis. France’s government announced funding for cooling systems and air-conditioning units for health facilities, while the World Health Organization warned of increasingly severe summers due to climate change.
- Hospitals in Europe are gearing up for the next heat wave armed with lessons from this one
Hospitals in Europe, including Paris-Saclay Hospital, are preparing for future heat waves by addressing challenges faced during a recent record-breaking heat wave. Efforts include acquiring ice-making machines, government-funded cooling systems, and air-conditioning units to mitigate health risks. The World Health Organization warns that heat waves are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change.
- People aren’t the only ones hit by heat. What to do if you see wildlife affected by hot temperatures
Extreme heat in Europe is affecting birds and wildlife, with experts noting risks of heat illness. Birds adapt through behaviors like gaping and seeking shade, but prolonged heat pushes many species to their limits. People can help by providing water and shaded areas to support wildlife during heatwaves.
- Why Europe’s heat waves are still so deadly
Europe's heat waves continue to cause thousands of deaths annually despite awareness campaigns after the 2003 heat wave that killed 70,000. Factors include an aging population, lack of air conditioning, and inadequate preparedness, with recent incidents in Spain and France highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities.
- How climate change gets under the skin
Climate change poses significant health risks by exacerbating heat waves, wildfire smoke, and infectious diseases, leading to cardiovascular strain, dehydration, and increased mortality. Researchers warn that even healthy individuals face long-term health threats from overlapping climate stressors like extreme heat and pollution.
- Here's what southern Europeans know about surviving heat waves
People in Greece, Italy, and Spain have long lived with high temperatures. Northern countries can learn from their strategies to manage increasing heat waves.
- Before air conditioning was common, people used blocks of ice and fire hydrants to stay cool
Before air conditioning became common in mid-20th century US homes, people used ice blocks, fans, and cold drinks to stay cool. Historical records show iceboxes, mechanical cooling techniques, and frozen treats like ice cream were key methods. Recent heat waves highlight the growing necessity of air conditioning as temperatures set new records.
- After years of stifling heat, Vermont invests nearly $10.5 million in prison air conditioning
Vermont has approved a $10.5 million investment to install air conditioning in correctional facilities after years of heat-related complaints from staff and incarcerated individuals. The funding will address permanent cooling systems at Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield and Northern State Correctional Facility in Newport, while two other prisons will remain without permanent AC.
- As the world heats up, cities work to cool down
Global warming trends are causing more frequent and intense heat waves. Cities worldwide are implementing measures to mitigate extreme heat and adapt urban life to climate change.
- EU invests in ocean monitoring as US cuts funding
The EU is expanding its ocean monitoring network using underwater drones and satellites to address climate change impacts like intensified heat waves and storms, while the US reduces funding for similar efforts.
- They call it stupid hot for a reason: Heat muddles animal brains
Heat waves impair animal cognitive abilities, as shown by experiments with southern pied babblers struggling to solve problems in high temperatures. This cognitive decline in animals, linked to climate change, threatens survival and ecosystem stability by disrupting behaviors like foraging and predator avoidance.