Jonathan Erdman
Extreme heat is responsible for more weather-related deaths in the U.S. in an average year than any other hazard.
Excessive heat claimed an average of 138 lives per year in the U.S. from 1990 through 2019, according to NOAA. That's higher than the average annual death tolls from flooding (88), tornadoes (65), hurricanes or tropical storms (45) and lightning (41) in that 30-year period.
Average yearly weather-related fatalities in the U.S. from each weather hazard, from 1990-2019.You may be surprised by this.
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina was responsible for 1,500 deaths in the U.S., according to the National Hurricane Center.
The April 2011 Super Outbreak of tornadoes killed 324 in the Southeast. One month later, an EF5 tornado in Joplin, Missouri, was blamed in 158 deaths.
Other than those outlier deadly weather disasters, heat deaths in the country typically outnumber other hazards. That's been the case particularly since the mid-late 1990s, as the graph below shows.
Annual weather fatalities due to lightning (in yellow), tornadoes (purple), flooding (green) and heat (red) from 1990-2019.Flooding remains No. 2 killer. Flash flooding can occur almost anywhere in the U.S., and given the continued problem of flood deaths in vehicles, this is not surprising.
Tornado warnings and Doppler radar have reduced tornado fatalities markedly since the early 20th century. And since 2010, lightning deaths have plummeted, from as few as 16 in 2017 to 38 in 2016.
A Different Kind of 'Storm'
Heat tends to be most impactful and deadly in the form of a heat wave, any period of anomalous and uncomfortably hot and humid weather that lasts several days to weeks at a time.
A heat wave doesn't have to shatter temperature records to be dangerous. Its length is as important than how hot it gets.
One reason for this is how little it may cool down at night, particularly in larger cities.
Heat absorbed by a city's concrete and asphalt during the day is released more slowly at night, which can make urban areas up to 22 degrees hotter than surrounding rural areas, a phenomenon known as the urban heat island.
In a typical summer heat wave, overnight low temperatures may dip only into the upper 70s or low 80s in a larger city in the Northeast, Midwest or South.
Those living in the heart of a city may not have air conditioning or are fearful to open windows at night for safety reasons.
Eduardo Velev opens a fire hydrant during a heatwave on July 1, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.A fan may be of little help, as that may only blast and recirculate hot, humid air.
There may be no break in the heat at night, perhaps for days.
The body no longer can cool itself because perspiration can't evaporate from skin into humid air. Continued sweating eventually leads to dehydration.
As heat stress builds, heat exhaustion could eventually lead to heat stroke, as the body's temperature climbs above 103 degrees, requiring immediate medical attention.
Everyone is susceptible to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, but the elderly, infants and children are particularly vulnerable.
In July 1995, a heat wave pushed high temperatures into the mid-90s to mid-100s in Chicago for five days. It was accompanied by oppressive humidity. Overnight lows at Chicago's Midway Airport failed to drop below 76 degrees.
At least 465 deaths in Chicago were attributed to the heat wave, according to NOAA's National Disaster Survey Report. In all, NOAA concluded more than 1,000 died from this Midwest heat wave. Most of the victims were elderly and confined to their homes and apartments without air conditioning. Hospitals weren't prepared to deal with the large volume of patients.
The report found that even though temperature forecasts for the area were accurate, local government and services failed to view the situation as a threat to public health. As a result, there was no communication to the public regarding dire consequences for sensitive groups.
Since 1995, local governments have taken measures to prepare for heat events.
Better lines of communication exist between local governments, public safety officials and the local National Weather Service. There is also much better communication about preparing for the heat and what measures can be taken when it arrives.
Cooling stations and shelters are now set up in cities when excessive heat becomes an issue.
Safety Tips
The first line of defense against extreme heat is to be aware of the forecast.
The National Weather Service issues excessive heat watches and warnings when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to pose a danger. When a warning is issued, it's time to take action.
Here are some important safety tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible.
- Don't rely on a fan as your main cooling source when it's very hot outside.
- Drink more water than usual and don't wait until you are thirsty to drink.
- Don't use the stove or oven to cook - it will make you and your house hotter.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
- Don't engage in very strenuous activities and get plenty of rest.
- Check on a friend, neighbor, or family member, especially the elderly and have someone check on you
Hotter Future
According to a study by Climate Central of 246 U.S. locations, 95% of those have seen their summer temperatures increase since 1970.
The change in summer (June-August) temperatures in the U.S. since 1970, in degrees Fahrenheit.The study found that 59% of those locations see at least three more extremely hot days per year now than they did in 1970.
Summer nighttime temperatures have increased by at least 2 degrees in 61% of those locations.
Another recent study found that more than one-third of heat-related deaths worldwide are directly connected to human-induced climate change.
So the danger from heat waves appears to be increasing.
Treat an approaching heat wave with the same urgency as you would a tornado outbreak or hurricane.
It could save someone's life.
The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.
The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.
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