New Study Warns of Extreme Heatwaves in Barcelona by Mid-Century
A new study published in the journal 'Science of the Total Environment' paints a concerning picture of future heatwaves in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area. Led by Sandra Cervantes, the research suggests that urban areas could experience extreme temperatures and reduced humidity, with significant implications for the city's residents and infrastructure.
The study, focusing on heatwave episodes over the last 30 years, projects a rise in temperatures by mid-century and late century. By the end of the century, average maximum temperatures in Barcelona could increase by 4°C, and minimum temperatures by 3.5°C. This could lead to maximum temperatures exceeding 45°C in urban areas and 42°C in Barcelona city.
The study also warns of reduced relative humidity, with a median decrease of 6% for maximum values and 5.3% for minimum values. In the Garraf area, reductions could peak at 16%. This, combined with increased geopotential height at 500 hPa, indicates a more stable atmosphere prone to persistent heatwaves. Minimum temperatures in coastal areas could struggle to drop below 32°C by the end of the century.
The study highlights the importance of understanding future heatwaves, given that over half of the world's population lives in cities. It also notes that temperature increases will be more pronounced during stable synoptic patterns, with heatwaves in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area potentially intensifying significantly in the future, with temperature increases of up to 6°C.
The study's findings underscore the urgent need for cities like Barcelona to adapt to a warming world. With heatwaves set to become more frequent and intense, city planners must consider measures to mitigate the impacts, such as urban greening, improved building insulation, and heat-resilient infrastructure. The research also underscores the importance of global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as the future of our cities depends on it.
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