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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?

1. Isn’t it always hot in the summer?

Yes, but this year’s temperatures have shattered records that no one wanted to see broken. Temperatures reached all-time highs around the world—from Greece to China to Iran. In the U.S., even Maine and northern areas of Alaska, which usually have mild summers, had 90-degree days.

Summer heat waves are nothing new. A heat wave is a period of unusually hot weather that lasts at least two days. This summer, however, 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 temperatures have shattered records. Temperatures reached all-time highs around the world. This happened from Greece to China to Iran. Temperatures were also high in the U.S. Maine and northern areas of Alaska usually have mild summers. But this year, they both had 90-degree days.

Summer heat waves are nothing new. A heat wave is a period of unusually hot weather that lasts at least two days. However, this summer’s 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 this record-breaking heat?

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

Climate change has happened naturally throughout history. 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 heat for our homes and to power our cars. Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, which 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 producing too many greenhouse gases, raising the planet’s average temperature. In fact, the past eight years have been the hottest ever recorded.

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

Climate change has happened naturally throughout history. But most scientists say humans have a lot to do with the current warm-up. For example, we burn fossil fuels. This creates electricity and heat for our homes. Fossil fuels are also used to power our cars. Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases. These gases 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 producing too many greenhouse gases. This is raising the planet’s average temperature. In fact, 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. So is climate change the only reason this summer has been so brutal?

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

Normally, the edges of the Pacific are cool. Climate scientists say that 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 into the atmosphere, raising temperatures on land. Some climate scientists say El Niño could help make 2023 the hottest year on record. 

No. El Niño is another important factor. 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 that 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 into the atmosphere. This raises temperatures on land. Some climate 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, including wildfires. These uncontrolled blazes are more likely to form in hot, dry conditions. This year, Canada had its worst wildfire season ever. By mid-August, fires had burned an area roughly the size of Arkansas and forced more than 160,000 people from their homes. Strong winds carried smoke from the fires to cities hundreds of miles away. 

Wildfires also 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. This year, Canada had its worst wildfire season ever. By mid-August, fires had burned an area roughly the size of Arkansas. The fires forced more than 160,000 people from their homes. Strong winds carried smoke from the fires to cities hundreds of miles away. 

Wildfires also 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.  

Michael Nagle/Xinhua via Getty Images

On June 7, smoke from wildfires in eastern Canada blanketed New York City, more than 500 miles away.

5. How can we stay safe in the heat? 

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Extreme heat and humidity can take a serious toll on the body. 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, which is the hottest part of the day.
  • If you go outside, wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. 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. 

Extreme heat and humidity can take a serious toll on the body. 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 in the afternoon. That is the hottest part of the day.
  • If you go outside, wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Stay in the shade and apply sunscreen.
  • Take cool showers or baths to try to cool down.
  • Tell an adult right away if you aren’t feeling well. 

1. What evidence does the article give to support the idea that this year’s heat broke records?

2. Based on the article, what is the link between weather and wildfires?

3. How do the images in the article help you understand the article?

1. What evidence does the article give to support the idea that this year’s heat broke records?

2. Based on the article, what is the link between weather and wildfires?

3. How do the images in the article help you understand the article?

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