20-7-2023 (TEHRAN) The world continues to grapple with the escalating challenge of climate change, and its consequences are becoming more evident with each passing day. As the average global temperature steadily rises, extreme weather events are becoming increasingly frequent. One such event was witnessed at Iran’s Persian Gulf International Airport on Sunday, where a rare combination of soaring temperatures and abundant atmospheric moisture created a staggering heat index.
Colin McCarthy, a renowned meteorologist from US Stormwatch, reported that the Persian Gulf International Airport recorded a mind-boggling heat index of 152 degrees Fahrenheit (66.7 degrees Celsius) at 12:30 pm on July 16. Mr. McCarthy described these conditions as “intolerable” for both human and animal life. The heat index is a metric used by meteorologists to determine how hot or cold the weather feels, factoring in air temperature and humidity.
The extreme temperature experienced in Iran was the result of scorching inland heat colliding with humid air from the warm waters of the Persian Gulf. At the time of the record-breaking heat index, the air temperature at the airport was 40 degrees Celsius, with a relative humidity of 65 per cent, as reported by NOAA data. This combination led to an apparent temperature of 66.7 degrees Celsius, a level of heat rarely seen in this part of the world.
The implications of such extreme heat are profound, particularly for human health. Experts from the vaccine alliance GAVI warn that dehydration becomes a serious concern in such conditions, and failing to consume enough water to compensate for water loss through sweating and urination can lead to blood thickening, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Furthermore, exposure to high temperatures can exacerbate existing health issues, putting older individuals and those with chronic conditions at even greater risk. According to a recent Bloomberg report, the month of July is on track to become the hottest ever recorded, with ten of the hottest days in history occurring during this period. Simultaneous heatwaves are suffocating regions in the United States, large parts of Europe, and areas in Asia. At the same time, the Pacific Ocean is experiencing an intensifying El Nino, and Florida’s Atlantic waters recently hit an unprecedented 32.2 degrees Celsius. China also experienced its highest-ever temperature of 52.2 degrees Celsius in Sanbo township.
Dr. Akshay Deoras, a respected meteorologist from the University of Reading, warns that if global temperatures continue to rise at the current rate, we can expect “more frequent and intense” extreme weather events. He stresses the urgency for governments to take significant actions to combat global warming, as Earth’s future may become an “inferno” if heatwaves persist unchecked.
Persian Gulf International Airport in Iran reported a heat index of 152°F (66.7°C) today at 12:30 pm.
Those are intolerable conditions for human/animal life. pic.twitter.com/R3RJ9pf4DC
— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) July 16, 2023
