Act before heatwaves get unstoppable, warns WMO

With extreme heat posing a growing threat to human health, the environment and key economic sectors, hundreds of millions of people in the Northern Hemisphere are bracing for what is typically the hottest month of the year, July.

The Global Heat-Health Information Network, which is co-sponsored by World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), stepped up its #HeatReady campaign.

It issued a call to action to governments and communities to mobilise targeted prevention measures and early warnings, and provided simple tips for individuals.

“The time for complacency is over. The 2024 heat season is set to challenge our resilience like never before, but by taking urgent and coordinated action we can save lives. Let us act decisively, with the urgency and commitment that this crisis demands, to protect those most at risk from the avoidable health impacts of heat,” said Joy Shumake-Guillemot, the Lead of the World Meteorological Organisation-World Health Organisation Joint Office for Climate and Health.

“Almost all deaths directly due to excess heat can be prevented. Governments, authorities and relevant public and private organizations and individuals need to take this seriously and act now,” she said.

Gangsol elementary school students cool themselves off in a public fountain in Seoul, South Korea. AP

Heatwaves so far in 2024 in Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and North America have already exacted a heavy toll, claiming hundreds of lives, reducing labour productivity and crop yields, disrupting education and energy supplies and fanning the risk of wildfires.

“Heatwaves are becoming more common and intense, are starting earlier and ending later, and occurring simultaneously over several regions due to human-induced climate change. Unbearable temperatures over 40°C and even 50°C are increasingly frequent in many parts of the world, paralysing society and posing a major threat to human health and well-being,” said WMO climate expert Alvaro Silva.

Cities, states, and countries should put in place heat preparedness and response strategies, which are stress tested to consider unprecedented extreme heat conditions. This includes developing and implementing comprehensive intersectoral Heat Action Plans and Early Warning Systems, enhancing public awareness campaigns, and investing in heat-resilient infrastructure and policies, according to the Global Heat-Health Information Network.

Simple actions, such as staying hydrated, applying water to the skin, avoiding strenuous activities during peak heat, and checking on elderly neighbours and family members, can save lives.

Teenagers cool off in the cold water at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Pool in Chelsea, Massachusetts, US. AFP

Meanwhile, the summer doldrums have set in across much of the United States, with heat advisories being issued on Saturday from Texas to South Florida.

In Miami, the temperature reached 32°C before noon on Saturday. “That’s largely because of the lack of clouds and rain,” said Sammy Hadi, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Miami. He said it’s not unusual to have a heat advisory this time of year in South Florida. “It’s just a hot stretch,” Hadi said.

“Tomorrow there will be more coverage of showers and thunderstorm activity so that should keep the temperatures below heat advisory thresholds.”

While rain may keep the temperatures down, it could dampen the spirits of thousands of people expected to show up in Fort Lauderdale for an oceanfront parade celebrating the Florida Panthers first-ever National Hockey League championship. So umbrellas and rain ponchos may be hot-selling items along the parade route down A1A.

Children cool off in a public fountain in Vilnius, Lithuania. AP

Scorching heat under a heat dome was blanketing parts of the southern Plains and many southern states Saturday and excessive heat warnings were issued by the National Weather Service for northeastern Texas, the eastern half of Oklahoma, northern Louisiana and most of Arkansas. High temperatures are forecast near and above 38°C with heat indexes from 43°C to 46°C.

The excessive heat warnings issued on Saturday extend into eastern Mississippi and Tennessee, including Memphis.

Separately, a wildfire ignited on Saturday afternoon in a forest area north of Athens, amid heightened fire risk across six Greek regions.

At least forty wildfires have erupted since dawn across the country with wind speeds exceeding 100 kilometres per hour, according to fire brigade sources.

Agencies