heat waves Archives - Disasters News

Feb252025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Rising Ocean Heat Waves Threaten Arctic Marine Mammals with Higher Mortality, Lower Reproduction: Study

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

A new study has warned that Arctic and Subarctic marine mammals are facing rising mortality rates and declining reproductive success due to the increasing frequency and intensity of marine heat waves (MHWs). These extreme ocean temperature events, which can last for days or even years, pose a serious threat to species such as cetaceans, sea lions, seals, and walruses. The Arctic Ocean is projected to become a future hotspot for MHWs, with sea surface temperatures surpassing historical norms for extended periods. Scientists define an MHW as a temperature anomaly that exceeds the local 90th percentile threshold for at least five consecutive days. These heat waves have already been linked to widespread disruptions in Arctic and Subarctic ecosystems. The study, published in Frontiers in ...

Feb202025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Australians Face Death Risk in Heatwaves: Study Reveals Cities as Hotspots for Extreme Temperature & HVI

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from the University of Queensland and Griffith University has revealed that urban residents in Australia face a significantly higher risk of death during heatwaves compared to their rural counterparts. The research, published in the Environmental Impact Assessment Review in March 2025, examined two decades of temperature and mortality data across Australia’s major cities, including Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Hobart, Perth, and Darwin. The study utilized the Heatwave Vulnerability Index (HVI) to identify regions most susceptible to heatwave-related fatalities. Even during mild heatwaves, there was a notable correlation between deaths and HVI scores in Australia’s capital cities. The far north and southern regions of Western Aust...

Feb62025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Arctic Heatwave North Pole Temperatures Soar 20°C Above Normal, Pushing Ice to Melting Point

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

In a dramatic climate event, temperatures at the North Pole surged more than 20°C above average on Sunday, surpassing the melting threshold for ice. According to European and U.S. weather models, regions north of Svalbard, Norway, had already experienced an 18°C temperature anomaly on Saturday, bringing actual readings dangerously close to 0°C. By Sunday, the anomaly had exceeded 20°C, marking one of the most extreme winter warming events recorded in the Arctic. “This was a very extreme winter warming event,” said Mika Rantanen, a scientist at the Finnish Meteorological Institute. “Probably not the most extreme ever observed, but still at the upper edge of what can happen in the Arctic.” Scientists attribute this rapid warming to a combination of human-induced climate change and r...

Nov212024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Tamil Nadu Declares Extreme Heat a State-Specific Disaster: A Welcome Move with Caveats

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

In a significant step towards tackling the growing threats of climate change, the Tamil Nadu government officially notified extreme heat as a State-specific disaster in October. This decision broadens the scope of institutional mechanisms to protect those at risk of heat-related health issues or fatalities, offering a safety net for citizens during deadly heatwaves. However, while the move reflects foresight in addressing climate-induced risks, there are critical aspects that warrant closer scrutiny. Expanded Welfare Responsibilities By recognizing extreme heat as a disaster, Tamil Nadu takes on the responsibility to mitigate its effects, aligning with the broader mandate of public welfare. The notification includes proactive measures such as ensuring access to medical care, provi...

Aug72024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

How Climate Change Impacing Infrasturcture: Heatwaves Cause Major Problems for U.S. Infrastructure Study reveals

Breaking News, Climate Actions

New York's Third Avenue Bridge got stuck for hours when its metal expanded in the heat, preventing it from closing. Roads have buckled on hot days in several states, including Washington and Wisconsin. Amtrak warned passengers about heat-related problems, leading to a daylong outage between New York and New Jersey. High temperatures pose a growing risk to power lines and rails, causing delays for the train system. The worsening heat is hitting an already troubled U.S. infrastructure system. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave U.S. infrastructure a grade of C- in its 2021 report. Despite some improvements, such as a reduction in the number of poor-condition bridges from over 12% to 7.5% in a decade, many bridges remain old and hard to maintain. Forty percent of the road system i...