What's Happening?
The American Meteorological Society's State of the Climate report for 2024 has revealed a record-breaking number of dangerously humid days globally. The report indicates that the global average of high humid heat days exceeded the 1991-2020 average by 35.6 days, surpassing the previous record set in 2023 by 9.5 days. This increase in humid days is attributed to climate change, which is causing the atmosphere to hold more moisture, leading to more intense weather conditions. The report highlights that regions such as the Middle East, South-East Asia, and eastern China experienced wet bulb temperatures exceeding 29°C multiple times, with some instances reaching 31°C, posing severe health risks.
Why It's Important?
The increase in humid days has significant implications for global health and safety. High humidity levels can severely impact human health by limiting the body's ability to cool down through sweating, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and fatalities. This trend underscores the urgent need for climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies to protect vulnerable populations. The findings also highlight the broader impacts of climate change on weather patterns, which could lead to more frequent and severe weather events, affecting agriculture, infrastructure, and economies worldwide.
