A multiscale analysis of heatwaves and urban heat islands in the western U.S. during the summer of 2021.

ABSTRACT: Extreme heat events are occurring more frequently and with greater intensity due to climate change. They result in increased heat stress to populations causing human health impacts and heat-related deaths. The urban environment can also exacerbate heat stress because of man-made materials and increased population density. Here we investigate the extreme heatwaves in the western U.S. during the summer of 2021. We show the atmospheric scale interactions and spatiotemporal dynamics that contribute to increased temperatures across the region for both urban and rural environments. In 2021, daytime maximum temperatures during heat events in eight major cities were 10-20 °C higher than the 10-year average maximum temperature. We discuss the temperature impacts associated with processes across sca

SUBMITTER: Chen K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10264438 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature