GS3 · Environment11 Aug 2026 · The Hindu — Science & Tech
A hot day by 2100 may have extra 4 hours of extreme heat if high emissions continue: study
Extreme heat events are typically assessed using daily mean average, maximum, or minimum temperatures. However, the measures can neglect shorter but potentially important periods of extreme heat
A study predicts that by 2100, extreme heat events could extend by four hours daily if high emissions persist.
02The daily mean average temperature is typically used to assess extreme heat events, but this measure can neglect shorter periods of extreme heat.
03High-emissions scenarios are associated with an increase in extreme heat events due to climate change.
04A hot day by 2100 may experience extra 4 hours of extreme heat if high emissions continue.
05The study found that the additional four hours of extreme heat would occur at night, typically a time when relief from heat is expected.
06Extreme heat events are often assessed using daily maximum or minimum temperatures, but these measures can overlook shorter periods of intense heat.
07Climate change could lead to an increase in hot days with extra 4 hours of extreme heat by the end of the 21st century under a high-emissions scenario.
Trap alerts
Most people think that climate change only affects temperature averages, but actually it can also impact shorter periods of extreme heat.
Most people think that assessing extreme heat events is solely based on daily maximum temperatures, but actually other measures like mean average and minimum temperatures are also used.
Most people think that the additional hours of extreme heat would occur during the day, but actually they would occur at night.
Mains Practice Question
Critically examine the implications of using daily mean average, maximum, or minimum temperatures to assess extreme heat events.
What is typically used to assess extreme heat events?
A.Daily maximum temperatures
B.Short-term temperature fluctuations
C.Annual average temperature trends
D.Temperature anomalies relative to long-term averages
Daily mean, maximum, or minimum temperatures are typically used to assess extreme heat events, providing a comprehensive picture of heat stress.
Multiple statementsmedium
Consider the following statements regarding Extreme Heat Events:
1. Daily mean average temperatures are used to assess extreme heat events.
2. Shorter periods of extreme heat may be neglected by these measures.
3. By 2100, high emissions will lead to a 10-hour increase in extreme heat events.
How many of the above statements are correct?
A.Only one
B.Only two
C.All three
D.None
Statement 1 is correct because daily mean average temperatures are typically used to assess extreme heat events (fact 2). Statement 2 is correct because shorter periods of extreme heat may be neglected by these measures. Statement 3 is incorrect because the fact list only mentions a 4-hour increase in extreme heat events, not 10 hours.