Heat Waves in Russia

 Two notable heat waves which have occurred recently in Russia include a heat wave in 2010, and a heat wave in 2020.


According to metoffice.gov.uk (siting the The World Meteorological Organisation) a heatwave is "a period of more than 5 consecutive days where the daily maximum temperature exceeds the average maximum temperature by 5°C or more." According to metoffice.gov.uk, the Russian heatwave in 2010 occured due to a "Blocking High" which seems to be a concentrated point of high pressure. Primarily because of this tragic event, Moscow reported over 14000 deaths in July 2010.


From around January 2020 to June 2020, Siberian regions experienced an extreme heat wave likely due to climate change.

 

This image (taken from worldweatherattribution.org) Shows the difference between the average temperatures during the heatwave and the average temperatures from 1981 - 2010 during the same months. worldweatherattribution.org states that "The results showed with high confidence that the January to June 2020 prolonged heat was made at least 600 times more likely as a result of human-induced climate change." This event is one cause of Russia's permafrost melting, something discussed last blog.


According to news.climate.columbia.edu, things which can be done to mitigate heat waves include "setting up cooling centers, providing in-home air conditioners, and planting trees." However, that site also notes that "Even with programs that give away air conditioners, people may need help paying for the energy to use them." From columbia.edu again, a very general strategy which is recommended to take during the heat waves is to "stay hydrated and avoid strenuous outdoor activities."

Comments

  1. OmarApril 4, 2024 at 3:23 PM

    Thank you for your post this week Jack. Wow, I had no idea Russia was prone to heat waves. You would think that since Russia is so up north and usually associated with cold harsh weather that heat waves don't even cross people's mind. I think this really shows how powerful climate change can be. I also believe that providing homes with air-conditioners is a great idea since it gives them a way to combat the heat.

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  2. Lauren B.April 5, 2024 at 11:57 PM

    Jack, I love the photo that indicates a temperature map of Russia. Like the comment before mine, my first thought of Russia's extreme weather instances would certainly be a snowstorm, but your research informed me about heat waves. I wonder, due to the continuously worsening of climate change, how people will manage when air conditioners simply won't be "enough" - that is, when it gets too hot to comfortably live. I can only hope out future generations, and ourselves, will treat our planet better!

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