Heatwaves are periods of abnormally hot weather that can last for days or weeks. They can be deadly, especially for elderly people, young children, and people with chronic health conditions. Heatwaves can also cause power outages, water shortages, and crop failures.
There have been many deadly heatwaves throughout history, but some of the most notable ones occurred in the 20th century. Fortunately, few have been in New Zealand!
- The 1900 European heatwave: This heatwave affected much of Europe in July and August of 1900. Temperatures reached as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) in some places, and there were widespread reports of deaths from heatstroke. In Paris, for example, it is estimated that over 10,000 people died during the heatwave.
- The 1936 North American heatwave: This heatwave was one of the deadliest in North American history. It affected much of the United States and Canada in July and August of 1936. Temperatures reached as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius) in some places, and there were over 5,000 deaths attributed to the heatwave. In Chicago, for example, the temperature reached 106 degrees Fahrenheit (41 degrees Celsius) for 10 consecutive days.
- The 1947 London heatwave: This heatwave affected London and much of the south of England in July of 1947. Temperatures reached as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) in some places, and there were over 6,000 deaths attributed to the heatwave. The heatwave was so severe that it caused the River Thames to boil, and people were advised not to swim in it.
- The 1952 London smog: This smog was caused by a combination of hot weather and air pollution. It affected London in December of 1952, and it is estimated that over 4,000 people died as a result. The smog was so thick that it was difficult to see, and it caused respiratory problems in many people.
- The 1972 Midwest heatwave: This heatwave affected much of the Midwest United States in July of 1972. Temperatures reached as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius) in some places, and there were over 5,000 deaths attributed to the heatwave. The heatwave was so severe that it caused power outages and water shortages in many areas.
Climate change is making heat waves worse
Heatwaves have become more common in recent years, and they are expected to become even more common in the future due to climate change. This is a serious threat to public health, and it is important to take steps to prepare for and mitigate the effects of heat waves.
- The 1995 Chicago heatwave: This heatwave affected Chicago and much of the Midwest United States in July of 1995. Temperatures reached as high as 106 degrees Fahrenheit (41 degrees Celsius) in some places, and there were over 700 deaths attributed to the heatwave. The heatwave was so severe that it caused power outages and water shortages in many areas.
- The 2003 European heatwave: This heatwave affected much of Europe in August of 2003. Temperatures reached as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) in some places, and there were over 70,000 deaths attributed to the heatwave. The heatwave was so severe that it caused power outages and water shortages in many areas.
- The 2010 Russian heatwave: This heat wave affected Russia and much of Eastern Europe in July and August of 2010. Temperatures reached as high as 118 degrees Fahrenheit (48 degrees Celsius) in some places, and there were over 56,000 deaths attributed to the heatwave. The heatwave was so severe that it caused widespread crop failures and forest fires.
- The 2015 South Asian heatwave: This heatwave affected India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh in May and June of 2015. Temperatures reached as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) in some places, and there were over 3,000 deaths attributed to the heatwave. The heatwave was so severe that it caused widespread power outages and water shortages.
- The 2020 Australian bushfires: These bushfires were caused by a combination of hot weather and dry conditions. They affected much of Australia in December 2019 and January 2020. Temperatures reached as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) in some places, and there were over 30 deaths attributed to the bushfires. The bushfires were so severe that they caused widespread destruction and displacement.
- The 2021 Western North American heat wave: This heatwave affected much of the western United States and Canada in June of 2021. Temperatures reached as high as 121 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) in some places, and there were over 100 deaths attributed to the heatwave. The heatwave was so severe that it caused widespread power outages and water shortages.
- The 2022 Pakistan heatwave: This heatwave affected Pakistan in April of 2022. Temperatures reached as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) in some places, and there were over 65 deaths attributed to the heatwave. The heatwave was so severe that it caused widespread power outages and water shortages.
- The April heatwave in India and Pakistan: This heat wave affected India and Pakistan in April of 2023. Temperatures reached as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) in some places, and there were over 1,000 deaths attributed to the heatwave. The heatwave was so severe that it caused widespread power outages and water shortages.
- The May heatwave in the Middle East: This heat wave affected the Middle East in May of 2023. Temperatures reached as high as 125 degrees Fahrenheit (52 degrees Celsius) in some places, and there were over 500 deaths attributed to the heatwave. The heatwave was so severe that it caused widespread power outages and water shortages.
- The June heatwave in Western Europe: This heat wave affected Western Europe in June of 2023. Temperatures reached as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius) in some places, and there were over 300 deaths attributed to the heatwave. The heatwave was so severe that it caused widespread power outages and water shortages.
Heatwaves are becoming more common and more severe due to climate change, and they pose a serious threat to public health. It is important to take steps to prepare for and mitigate the effects of heat waves, such as staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, and checking on elderly neighbours and relatives.
It is also important to note that heatwaves disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, the homeless, and people with chronic health conditions. These populations are more likely to suffer from heat-related illness and death, and they need to be especially careful during heat waves.
We can all play a role in reducing the risks posed by heat waves. By taking steps to prepare for and mitigate the effects of heat waves, we can help to protect ourselves and our communities.
A summary of floods, storms, fire and droughts between 2018 and 2020 is here