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5 Big Questions About Extreme Heat

After a scorching summer, 2023 is shaping up to be the hottest year ever. Here’s what you need to know.

As You Read, Think About: What are some ways extreme heat can affect people?

Let’s Talk About Climate Change
Watch a video to learn more about why the Earth’s temperature is rising.

1. Isn’t it always hot in the summer?

Yes, but this year’s heat has shattered records that no one wanted to see broken. Temperatures reached all-time highs around the world—from Greece to China. 

Summer heat waves are nothing new. A heat wave is a period of unusually hot weather that lasts at least two days. But this summer, heat waves scorched some parts of the U.S. for weeks at a time. In Phoenix, Arizona, for example, temperatures hit at least 110 degrees Fahrenheit for 31 days straight. 

Yes, but this year’s heat has shattered records. Temperatures reached all-time highs around the world. This happened everywhere from Greece to China.

Summer heat waves are nothing new. A heat wave is a period of unusually hot weather that lasts at least two days. But this summer, heat waves have been different. They have scorched some parts of the U.S. for weeks at a time. In Phoenix, Arizona, for example, temperatures hit at least 110 degrees Fahrenheit for 31 days straight.

David McNew/Getty Images

128 degrees: Temperature in Death Valley National Park in California on July 16

2. What’s behind all of this record-breaking heat?

Scientists say it’s tied to climate change. That’s the gradual change in Earth’s average temperature and weather patterns.  

Climate change happens naturally over time. But most scientists say humans have a lot to do with the current warm-up. For example, we burn fossil fuels to create electricity and to power our cars. This releases greenhouse gases. These are gases that trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere.

Overall, greenhouse gases are a good thing. Without them, Earth would be too cold for us to survive. The problem is that humans are releasing too many greenhouse gases. This is raising Earth’s average temperature. The past eight years have been the hottest ever recorded.

Scientists say it’s tied to climate change. That’s the gradual change in Earth’s average temperature and weather patterns. 

Climate change happens naturally over time. But most scientists say humans have a lot to do with the current warm-up. For example, we burn fossil fuels. This creates electricity. This also powers our cars. But burning fossil fuels also releases greenhouse gases. These are gases that trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere.

Overall, greenhouse gases are a good thing. Without them, Earth would be too cold for us to survive. The problem is that humans are releasing too many greenhouse gases. This is raising Earth’s average temperature. The past eight years have been the hottest ever recorded.

Pablo Esparza/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

107 degrees: Record temperature in Rome, Italy, on July 18

3. Is climate change the only reason the summer was so hot?

No. El Niño is another reason. That’s a temporary warming of the eastern Pacific Ocean. It occurs every few years. 

Normally, the edges of the Pacific are cool. Climate scientists say the cool water acts as Earth’s air conditioner. 

But during El Niño, the Pacific Ocean near South America is warmer than usual. It releases heat, raising temperatures on land. Some scientists say El Niño could help make 2023 the hottest year on record. 

No. El Niño is another reason. That’s a temporary warming of the eastern Pacific Ocean. It occurs every few years.

Normally, the edges of the Pacific are cool. Climate scientists say the cool water acts as Earth’s air conditioner.

But during El Niño, the ocean changes. The Pacific Ocean near South America is warmer than usual. It releases heat. This raises temperatures on land. Some scientists say El Niño could help make 2023 the hottest year on record.

4. OK, the planet is getting warmer. What effects is that having?

Heat waves often go hand in hand with other weather-related disasters, like wildfires. These uncontrolled blazes are more likely to form in hot, dry conditions. Wildfires devastated the island of Maui in Hawaii this summer. In August, the deadliest wildfire in the U.S. in more than a century swept through the town of Lahaina.

Heat waves often go hand in hand with other weather-related disasters. These include wildfires. Wildfires are uncontrolled blazes. They are more likely to form in hot, dry conditions. Wildfires devastated the island of Maui in Hawaii this summer. In August, flames swept through the town of Lahaina. It was the deadliest wildfire in the U.S. in more than a century.

Matthew Thayer/The Maui News via AP Images

In August, a wildfire in the Hawaiian town of Lahaina destroyed more than 2,200 homes and buildings.

5. How can we stay safe in the heat? 

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In 100-degree heat, people can start to feel sick in as little as 10 to 15 minutes. Here are some tips to keep safe. 

  • Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty. Staying hydrated helps keep you cool.
  • If possible, try to stay in air-conditioned spaces.
  • Limit outdoor activity during the afternoon. It’s the hottest part of the day
  • If you go outside, stay in the shade and apply sunscreen regularly.
  • Take cool showers or baths to try to cool down. 
  • Tell an adult right away if you aren’t feeling well. 

In 100-degree heat, people can start to feel sick in as little as 10 to 15 minutes. Here are some tips to keep safe.

  • Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty. Staying hydrated helps keep you cool.
  • If possible, try to stay in air-conditioned spaces.
  • Limit outdoor activity during the afternoon. It’s the hottest part of the day.
  • If you go outside, stay in the shade. Make sure to apply sunscreen regularly.
  • Take cool showers or baths to try to cool down.
  • Tell an adult right away if you aren’t feeling well.
  1. Are greenhouse gases helpful or harmful to Earth? Explain, using evidence from the article.
  2. Based on the article, describe the link between weather and wildfires.
  3. How do the images in the article help you understand it?
  1. Are greenhouse gases helpful or harmful to Earth? Explain, using evidence from the article.
  2. Based on the article, describe the link between weather and wildfires.
  3. How do the images in the article help you understand it?
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