CA Heat Waves Becoming More Coastal, Humid

Observations show that climate change is increasing the number of daytime heat waves, however a new study soon to be published in Geophysical Research Letters found that in California, humid nighttime heat waves and heat waves near the coast will intensify more with climate change than dry daytime and desert heat waves. The classic California heat waves occur in the interior desert and valleys and are typically hot during the day with strong nighttime cooling. But using observations and model data, the authors of the study found that the heat waves that are occurring more often, and will continue to be more intense in future decades, are marked by higher humidity and greater expression in nighttime temperatures and coastal areas. According to one of the authors quoted in Scripps News, coastal communities, which are used to cooler temperatures than inland areas, aren’t well prepared for these heat waves and could potentially experience more heat-related illnesses and higher energy use from an increased installation of air conditioners.