Consider This from NPR What — And Who — Is To Blame For Extreme Heat?
Jun 28, 2023
The southern U.S. is reeling from a brutal heat wave, impacting health and safety. Climate change and the El Niño pattern are intensifying these conditions, with vulnerable communities bearing the brunt. Legal actions are on the rise, as one county sues oil and gas companies for their role in the crisis. The discussions reveal the urgent need for accountability and action against those contributing to climate disasters. This situation raises questions about our environment and the future we are creating.
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Extreme Heat in Dallas
- In Dallas, Ashley Hardy walks her dog early to avoid the worst heat.
- Even squirrels are suffering, resorting to "splooting" on cool concrete to regulate their body temperature.
Heat Dome and High Humidity
- A heat dome, a large area of high pressure, traps hot air and prevents cloud formation, causing extreme temperatures.
- High dew point temperatures, indicating high humidity, exacerbate the heat, making it feel even hotter.
Climate Change and El Niño
- Climate change makes extreme heat events more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting.
- The El Niño climate pattern, with a warmer Pacific Ocean, further intensifies global temperatures and contributes to heat waves.