Who Knew the Climate Would Be Affected by Global Warming and Heat Waves Would Grow Hotter

The heat waves of the future will be even hotter.In the past twenty-five years, evenings in the summer
Global warming is affecting the weather. The trend ishave gotten warmer. The studies have shown that
pointing toward even warmer heat waves in theEuropean heat waves have increased in frequency
future. Kevin Trenberth, climate analysis branch chiefsince 1880. They will continue to increase. In the United
for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, saysStates, California seems to be hit hardest. The
that heat waves and global warming "are verytemperature in Death Valley last week reached one
strongly" connected. He confirmed that studies in thehundred twenty - six degrees.
last five years have shown that climate changes areThe United States is experiencing higher temperatures
most dangerous during high temperatures, droughtsin general and a study done between 1999 and 2003
and flooding.showed nine hundred heat related deaths. This year
Currently, persistent high pressure systems in thethere have been one hundred thirty two in central
upper atmosphere prevent cooler air from reachingCalifornia already.
the West Coast. California is experiencing heat wavesIt is important to recognize that we are becoming
daily. The nights are generally warmer and the daysmore vulnerable to the heat and temperature. It is
have become drier.important that each of us gets at least three hours a
While heat waves always occur, Trenberth said thatday of cooling to avoid serious problems. Encourage
global warming is pushing it up another notch. Kenyour elderly friends and neighbors to be alert to the
Kunkel, director, stated that the computer modelsproblem. If each of us looks out for our neighbors,
show that soon we'll get many more and they willthere will be less heat related deaths.
become increasingly hotter.