"Heatwaves Last Longer Due to Climate Change... Negative Impacts Expected to Increase"

Research Results on Global Heatwaves Since 1979

A study has found that heat waves (heat wave) caused by climate change are moving more slowly and lasting longer.

On the 29th (local time), the AP News cited a study published in the international academic journal 'Science Advances' reporting this news. According to the study, since 1979, heat waves worldwide have been moving 20% more slowly and occurring 67% more frequently. This means more people are exposed to heat for longer periods. In addition, the maximum temperature during heat waves is higher than 40 years ago, and the areas experiencing heat dome phenomena are also larger. A heat dome refers to a phenomenon where high pressure stagnates over a region, trapping hot air and causing prolonged scorching heat.

On the 28th, as the daytime temperature in Seoul rose to 34 degrees Celsius, continuing the scorching heat, a citizen in Myeongdong, Jung-gu, Seoul is cooling off using a handheld fan. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

While previous studies have shown that heat waves are worsening, this study focused not only on temperature and regions but also on how long heat waves last and how they move across continents. From 1979 to 1983, heat waves lasted an average of 8 days worldwide, but from 2016 to 2020, they lasted up to 12 days. Eurasia was particularly more severely affected by the prolonged heat waves.

Wei Zhang, a climate scientist at Utah State University and co-author of the study, said, "The slower movement of heat waves means that heat waves can stay longer in the affected areas," adding, "The negative impacts on human society will be enormous and will grow over the years." He especially noted that "cities lacking sufficient green infrastructure or cooling spaces for some people, as well as impoverished groups, will be at greater risk."

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