Humidity can make heatwaves more dangerous. It’s time to warn Australians about this threat
When it’s humid, it’s hard to shed heat by sweating. That’s why humidity can make heatwaves much more dangerous.
In northern Australia, the build-up before the wet season brings extreme heat and humidity, which can be particularly dangerous. Common phrases like "going troppo" or "mango madness" illustrate the effects of these conditions. Temperatures rise and tempers fray, indicating the need to warn Australians about this threat.
Humidity can make heat waves more dangerous than dry ones. When humidity is high, the body's ability to release heat and stay cool is compromised, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and exacerbating chronic conditions. High humidity also creates optimal conditions for mosquitoes, ticks, and parasites, which spread tropical diseases, and boosts the risk of lung and skin diseases due to mould, bacteria, and viruses.
A study in the Northern Territory found that people attended emergency departments more often during humid heatwaves compared to comparable dry ones. Severe and extreme humid heatwaves led to a 6.1% increase in emergency visits, while similar dry heatwaves saw only a 4.4% increase. In arid areas of the territory, emergency visits rose by 8.7% during humid heatwaves.
Current heatwave warning systems in Australia focus solely on temperature, not humidity. This may not adequately warn Australians about the real health risks posed by humid heatwaves, especially in tropical and coastal regions. Health services in the Northern Territory are often aging and under strain, with dry and wet heatwaves putting more pressure on already struggling systems. Vulnerable populations, such as children, older adults, and those in disadvantaged communities, are particularly at risk.
To address this issue, heatwaves need to be redefined to include both temperature and humidity, strengthening early warning systems. Health systems should also be prepared for increased demand during severe humid heat, particularly in remote and tropical regions. Authorities should focus on less visible dangers like humidity and heat, alongside more visible threats like cyclones and floods.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
