"Nighttime Low Temperature Hits 32°C" Deadly Natural Disaster of Heatwave Sweeping the Northern Hemisphere

Number of Heatwaves Increased Sixfold Since the 1980s

Heatwaves in the Northern Hemisphere are expected to worsen this week, with some regions in North America predicted to record the highest nighttime low temperatures. Analysts warn that vulnerable groups face an increased risk of heat-related deaths.

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According to major foreign media, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) stated in a press release on the 18th (local time) that "heatwaves are intensifying, and nighttime low temperatures in the southern United States are expected to reach record highs."

According to the U.S. National Weather Service, Phoenix, Arizona, in the southern U.S., where the heatwave is severe, is expected to maintain nighttime low temperatures above 32.2 degrees Celsius until the 21st. This is attributed to abnormally warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, which hinder nighttime air cooling in these areas.

The WMO emphasized, "Attention is often focused on daytime high temperatures, but nighttime temperatures pose the greatest health risks to vulnerable populations." The WMO warned of an increased risk of deaths from heat-related causes such as heart attacks and urged caution.

Daytime high temperatures also remain elevated. The WMO stated, "Daytime highs in North America, Asia, North Africa, and across the Mediterranean are expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius this week."

According to AFP, John Nairn, senior heatwave advisor at the WMO, said on the same day, "The heatwave Europe is experiencing will continue to intensify," adding, "The world must prepare for more extreme heatwaves." He described heatwaves as one of the deadliest natural disasters and noted that the frequency of simultaneous heatwaves in the Northern Hemisphere has increased sixfold since the 1980s. As a result, hundreds of thousands of people die annually from heat-related illnesses.

In the United States, heatwave warnings and advisories were issued to over 100 million people, mainly in the southern regions, last weekend.

Europe is also suffering from the heatwave. According to the United Nations weather agency, the highest temperature recorded in Europe so far is 48.8 degrees Celsius on the island of Sicily in 2021.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.