Extreme heat could cost the US economy $100 billion annually
Weather of Arabia - Every corner of the United States witnessed severe temperatures this month, and it is expected that high temperatures will continue in the west and southwest at least until the end of the month.
Roads are particularly susceptible to deformation and cracking at high temperatures. Earlier in June, there were approximately a dozen cases of road damage or cracks due to the persistent heat in the Houston area. Attached here, workers are shown repairing the damage.
.AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES
Excessive heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States, with an average of 702 deaths per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Life-threatening temperatures are a real concern for the health system, and a recent report estimates that this summer's extreme heat will result in $1 billion in healthcare-related costs in the United States.
While public safety is a major concern, there are growing economic impacts on health care, infrastructure, transportation, and other areas, estimated to cost the US economy $100 billion annually.
Excessive heat warnings remain in effect for parts of California, Nevada and Arizona, where temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit are expected. Heat alerts have been posted in several counties in New Mexico, Texas and Florida, and the Northeast is no exception, with a new temperature record of 91 degrees Fahrenheit set in Central Park earlier this month. All this at a time when world records for heat are being set.
In addition to the highest priority and concern - the impact of extreme heat on the safety and well-being of the public - businesses and municipalities are also incurring losses and damages due to the high temperatures.
The effects of temperature on roads
One of the most obvious effects of high temperatures is its impact on infrastructure. Roads are particularly susceptible to deformation and cracking at high temperatures.
In the month of June, the Houston area experienced nearly ten times as much road damage or cracking due to the persistent heat. The area had a very dry and sunny period with daily temperatures hovering close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Even concrete roads can be damaged.
Recent research has shown that concrete is susceptible to overheating and literally explodes. When the water in the concrete is heated, it turns into steam and remains trapped inside. The concrete becomes so compressed that it explodes and releases the gained energy. This phenomenon is not rare. During a heatwave in Kansas City several years ago, the city experienced concrete explosions on the roads, prompting the Missouri Department of Transportation to warn drivers to beware of "road explosions."
The effect of high temperatures on flight
Airports and planes also suffer in extreme temperatures, and it's not uncommon for flights to be delayed at Phoenix airport. In addition to the potential impact on runways due to the possibility of cracking, air density decreases in extreme temperatures, making it difficult for aircraft to generate lift. Therefore, planes carrying a heavy load of passengers or cargo have difficulty taking off. In 2017, American Airlines canceled 40 flights from Phoenix when temperatures reached 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This becomes an inconvenience for leisure travelers and may put additional stress on our supply chains.
The effect of high temperatures on oil and gas
The upstream and downstream oil and gas sectors are another industry affected by extreme heat. Extreme heat hinders industrial activities in refineries, affecting operating pressures and fluid flow through pipelines necessary to operate refineries at full capacity, and can limit the electricity supply needed by carburetors to run their operations. According to Troy Vincent, Senior Market Analyst at DTN where I work, recent extreme heat and electricity scarcity in Texas has hampered oil and natural gas production in the field and has constrained the production capacity of Gulf Coast refineries, reducing production of refined fuels such as gasoline, jet fuel and diesel.
As extreme weather continues to grow, businesses and municipalities must start looking at additional policies and technologies to protect people and assets during the hottest days of summer. We haven't even reached the hottest day of summer yet, which means that challenges related to extreme heat are expected to continue. And not only the direct and critical impacts of high temperatures, such as health and safety, but also the secondary impacts that affect business operations, productivity, supply chains and infrastructure.
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