Maximum 35 Degrees
Overview
'Maximum 35 degrees' is an important threshold that serves as a meteorological criterion for heatwaves. Generally, a heatwave advisory is issued when the daytime maximum temperature reaches 35 degrees Celsius or higher, which has serious impacts on human health, agriculture, energy supply and demand, and ecosystems. Due to climate change, the number of days exceeding 35 degrees is increasing worldwide, making understanding and preparation essential.
Main Content
1. Definition and Criteria of Heatwaves
A heatwave refers to a phenomenon where abnormally high temperatures persist for a certain period. The Korea Meteorological Administration issues a heatwave advisory when the daily maximum temperature is expected to be 33 degrees or higher for two or more consecutive days, and a heatwave warning when it is expected to be 35 degrees or higher for two or more consecutive days. 'Maximum 35 degrees' is particularly dangerous for the human body, as the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and heat exhaustion increases sharply.
2. Impact on Human Health
At temperatures of 35 degrees or higher, the human body's thermoregulation ability reaches its limit. If evaporative cooling through sweat is insufficient, body temperature rises, potentially causing heat cramps, heat syncope, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. The elderly, people with chronic diseases, and outdoor workers are especially vulnerable. In the summer of 2023, record-breaking heatwaves occurred worldwide, with an estimated over 60,000 deaths in Europe.
3. Damage to Agriculture and Ecosystems
High temperatures of 35 degrees or higher are fatal to crop growth. For rice, if high temperatures above 35 degrees persist after the heading stage, the sterility rate increases and yields decrease. Fruit trees suffer from sunburn (fruit burns from sunlight), and livestock mortality rates rise. Additionally, in forest ecosystems, the risk of wildfires surges along with drought. In the summer of 2024, heatwaves above 35 degrees triggered wildfires in Greece and Canada, causing large-scale damage.
4. Energy Supply and Infrastructure
Heatwaves with maximum temperatures of 35 degrees or higher cause a surge in cooling demand. This leads to a sharp increase in electricity consumption, raising the risk of blackouts (large-scale power outages). In August 2024, in Delhi, India, a heatwave above 35 degrees pushed electricity demand to an all-time high, and some areas experienced rolling blackouts. Additionally, infrastructure such as asphalt roads melting or railway rails deforming is also damaged.
5. Urban Heat Island Effect
Urban areas experience the heat island effect, where concrete and asphalt absorb and re-emit heat, making temperatures higher than surrounding areas. As a result, the maximum temperature in city centers can be 3 to 5 degrees higher than in suburbs, and days exceeding 'maximum 35 degrees' become more frequent. Measures such as expanding green spaces, green roofs, and using high-reflectance building materials are proposed as countermeasures.
Latest Trends
2024 and 2025 are likely to be recorded as the hottest years globally. July 22, 2024, was recorded as the day the global average temperature reached an all-time high. According to the European Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), in the summer of 2024, the number of days exceeding 35 degrees in the Northern Hemisphere increased by more than 30% compared to the average. Particularly severe heatwaves occurred along the Mediterranean coast, India, Southeast Asia, and the southwestern United States. In South Korea, Seoul's maximum temperature exceeded 38 degrees in August 2024, breaking all-time records. Climate models predict that by 2050, the number of days exceeding 'maximum 35 degrees' will increase by two to three times compared to the present. Accordingly, countries are strengthening heatwave response plans and introducing early warning systems for 'heat dome' phenomena. There is also a trend toward mandating 'cool roofs' and 'green infrastructure' in urban design.
Related Topics
- [[Heatwave]]
- [[Climate change]]
- [[Heatstroke]]
- [[Greenhouse gas]]
- [[Urban heat island effect]]
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