Climate Change: Drought and Heat Waves to Occur More Often at the Same Time

Droughts and heat waves may be happening simultaneously with much greater frequency. Scientists have found that as climate change continues, we should expect temperatures to become warmer as drought occurs.

"Heat waves can kill people and crops while worsening air quality, and drought exacerbate those serious impacts," said Amir AghaKouchak, one of the researchers, in a news release. "With these two extremes happening at the same time, the threat is far more significant."

In this study, the researchers defined heat waves as three to seven consecutive hot days, with temperatures in the 90^th percentile of the historical record. Droughts were defined as extended periods during which precipitation was 20 percent less of the norm, as measured by the Standardized Precipitation Index.

More than 2,500 people died during a heat wave that gripped India in late May. In addition, a heat wave in Europe in 2003 claimed about 70,000 victims. Needless to say, it's important to keep track of how weather patterns are changing.

In this latest study, the researchers found that an overall increase in the mean temperature worldwide is raising the probability of heat waves. For example, the recent record-breaking high in Iran was a staggering 115-degree Fahrenheit surface temperature with a "comfort index" of 165 degrees.

The latest findings reveal that there's a significant upswing in the simultaneous occurrence of droughts and heat waves. This, in turn, is important to note when preparing for hot and dry weather in areas most impacted by these conditions.

The findings are published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Related Stories

California Drought May Have Been Partly Caused by Climate Change

Europe Impacted by Worst Drought Since 2003

For more great science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).