Intense Heat Waves Surge Across the U.S.

The ongoing widespread heat wave has opened many eyes to the impending climate crisis that looms over our society today. The United States endured relentless heat this summer. According to NASA Earth Observatory, “Atmospheric high-pressure systems established stagnant heat domes, which placed more than 150 million people under heat warnings and advisories.” In Connecticut, Governor Ned Lamont implemented an extreme hot weather protocol in mid-July and the first week of August as temperatures reached the mid-90s. Not only did residents suffer from these high temperatures, but the land did as well. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Windham County and New London County endured extreme drought while the rest of Connecticut experienced moderate to severe drought. Science teacher Maura Foley explored the possible causes of this heat wave, “An increase in global average temperature means there is an increase in the potential for warmer days and consequently heat waves. However, like everything with our complex climate system, these heat waves are influenced by many factors including natural climate cycles, changes in major wind patterns, water evaporation, land use, etc.

This weather variability has altered the summer plans of Hopkins students and faculty alike. Anika Madan ’24 detailed how she struggled with the heat, “While I was getting ready for Hopkins preseason, I found it harder to find time to run outside because it was always so hot. I only use my treadmill inside from now on which is less fun but also less hot.” Yasmin Athulathmudali ’24 also noticed the heat’s negative side effects: “I got severely sunburnt for the first time this summer.” Foley shared her experience with the heat-related drought: “I was recently in New Hampshire, and the well at the house I was staying in kept going dry even with minimal water usage due to the severe drop in the water table.”

Local authorities are also taking action to inform citizens on ways to seek refuge from the heat. In Connecticut, Governor Lamont’s extreme hot weather protocol prompted citizens to call 211 to locate their nearest cooling center to increase their accessibility. New Haven is  pushing to provide access to heat relief throughout the county: Foley notes: “Here in New Haven, I am always happy to see our local government notifications about the availability of cooling centers during heat advisories.”

From our Hopkins community to the greater world, the palpable effects of climate change are turning heads. Foley states, “It is important to continue to find ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate impacts of climate change, and adapt to changes like the increasing frequency of heat waves.  We can do this by working together as a community on a local, national and global scale!”