The Business Press – July 05, 2023 at 11:45AM
The world experienced an alarming surge in temperatures on July 3, marking the unofficial hottest day in human recordkeeping, according to scientists at the Climate Reanalyzer project at the University of Maine.
This record-breaking heatwave has seen high temperature records being shattered across Canada, Peru, and various cities in the United States. As we await verification from esteemed climate measurement organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), this milestone highlights the profound impact of climate change on our planet.
While this global record is still pending official confirmation, it underscores the relentless advance of climate change into uncharted territory. The acclaimed NOAA, renowned for its gold-standard climate measurements, will include these figures in its calculations.
Director Deke Arndt from the National Center for Environmental Information, a division of NOAA, stated that while single-day observations are significant, scientific assessments typically emphasize longer-term measurements spanning months, years, and decades. It is important to note that this preliminary record is based on data from 1979 onwards, whereas NOAA’s observations date back to 1880.
Arndt also emphasizes that such unprecedented warmth would not be taking place without the influence of both human-caused climate change and a robust El Nino.
El Nino, a temporary natural warming of parts of the central Pacific Ocean, has a profound impact on global weather patterns and can lead to an overall hotter planet.
Consider human-caused climate change as the upward escalator for global temperatures, with the addition of El Nino resembling jumping while on that escalator.
According to the University of Maine’s Climate Reanalyzer, the global daily average temperature on July 3 soared to 17.01 degrees Celsius or 62.6 degrees Fahrenheit. This tool, commonly used by climate scientists, employs NOAA satellite data and aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of global conditions.
However, it is essential to recognize that this record is unofficial, as the Reanalyzer is primarily designed for weather forecasts rather than extensive record-keeping.
Such sweltering global averages result in extreme conditions that affect communities worldwide. Heat advisories and excessive heat warnings have been issued for millions of people in various regions of the United States, from California to Florida.
When faced with extreme temperatures, individuals experience adverse health effects, particularly those who are vulnerable, such as the young and elderly.
Erinanne Saffell, Arizona state climatologist and expert in extreme weather and climate events, highlights the significance of understanding the risks and taking necessary precautions to ensure hydration, staying cool, and safeguarding those at higher risk.
The unofficial hottest day on record serves as a stark reminder of the escalating impact of climate change and underscores the urgent need for global action.
As the world grapples with rising temperatures, these extreme conditions highlight the importance of preparedness, protecting vulnerable populations, and fostering a collective commitment to mitigating the ramifications of climate change.
The Business Press 