The reasons for heat waves may be up for debate, but the fact that rising temperatures are having a huge impact on our lives and our economy is not. It was 105 degrees Fahrenheit in Denver, 106 in Atlanta — and Arizona? A blistering 108 degrees. Summer had only just begun when an extreme heat wave hit the southern United States. The heat sparked wildfires and caused power outages, and it has been blamed for a range of health effects: mood swings, muscle cramps and constant drowsiness. But the consequences of extreme heat reach much further than that.
Multipurpose Oven Gloves
Who knew that one day you would need an oven glove just to touch your car's steering wheel? Medics warn that touching normally innocuous materials like steering wheels and doorknobs can result in second- or even third-degree burns. Motorists have been spotted driving with oven mittens as the temperature pushes into triple digits.
Buckled Roads
Cracks and breaks are appearing every hour on four- and six-lane highways. Though repairs are being started, the roads stay closed for a while, creating chaos and confusion along the usual routes. Officials estimate the situation will only worsen as temperatures keep climbing.
Closed Zoos
Wildlife attractions such as zoos are closing early so that staff can focus more on animal care. There has also been a considerable drop in visitor numbers. Zoo officials have introduced watersheds, cooling slabs, pools and "bloodsicles" — an animal-kingdom version of a Popsicle — to help beat the summer heat.
Planes Remain Grounded
With the mercury reaching a high of 119 degrees Fahrenheit, various small aircraft have been grounded in Phoenix, Arizona. This has disrupted the normal lives of ordinary people, and many remain stranded at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Free Ice Creams
A number of hotel chains and restaurants are finding creative ways to beat the heat. Several associations have come up with the idea of giving away free ice cream and juice whenever the temperature climbs above 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The rising heat is affecting goods, too — melting mail and merchandise has become a common sight.
Cooking Outside
Boiling water, making pancakes and cooking eggs on the pavement are all creative ways people are putting the extreme temperatures to use. Cooking eggs and pancakes in the open is now another common sight around Phoenix, Arizona.
The Takeaway
- Adding a little more carbon dioxide to the climate can make it just warm enough to trigger extreme heat like this.
- Everyday surfaces — steering wheels, doorknobs — can cause serious burns in triple-digit heat.
- The knock-on effects reach roads, zoos, air travel and even the mail.