The Central Meteorological Observatory of China has issued the country’s first orange alert of 2024 for high temperatures on June 9. This early warning marks a concerning shift, as it arrives earlier than in previous years—June 17 in 2022 and June 22 in 2023—signaling intensifying heat waves across the region.
China’s weather warning system is a four-tier, color-coded system, with red representing the most severe conditions, followed by orange, yellow, and blue. An orange alert indicates temperatures are expected to reach at least 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit) over a significant area, posing health risks and impacting daily life and economic activities.
“Extreme high temperatures are not only occurring in China but are affecting almost the entire Northern Hemisphere,” said Wei Ke, a research fellow at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. “They are coming earlier and are more intense, which is a clear indicator of global climate change.”
The early onset of extreme heat has implications for agriculture, energy consumption, and public health. Farmers may face challenges with crop yields, cities may see spikes in electricity usage due to air conditioning, and vulnerable populations are at increased risk of heat-related illnesses.
Experts are urging governments and communities to take proactive measures to mitigate the impacts. This includes implementing heat action plans, enhancing public awareness, and investing in infrastructure to cope with higher temperatures.
As the global climate continues to change, the pattern of earlier and more severe heat waves is expected to persist. Collaborative efforts on both regional and international levels are essential to address the root causes and adapt to the evolving climate realities.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
