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Autumn heatwaves: a concerning WEATHER phenomenon, especially in November

 

Autumn heatwaves: a concerning WEATHER phenomenon, especially in November


This trend, which manifests with temperatures well above the seasonal​ average, is the result of various interconnected‌ climatic factors, and scientists ⁤increasingly link ⁣it ⁤to global climate ​change.   If in ‌the past November temperatures marked the beginning of ​winter, with a⁤ significant drop in⁢ degrees and a harsher⁣ climate, today November often brings days similar ‌to those ​of autumn or even late summer, causing perplexity and concern.⁣   The⁣ origin of abnormal heat waves ​in ⁤Italy and other parts⁣ of Europe can⁣ be traced back ​to the increased ⁢frequency of⁢ particular atmospheric configurations. One of the main factors is the African anticyclone, a high-pressure system‌ that ⁣expands from ⁤North Africa towards southern Europe. This phenomenon was previously typical ‍of the summer season, bringing intense heat waves especially in July and August.

However, in recent years, there has ‌been an increased frequency⁤ and intensity of⁣ African ‌anticyclones even‍ in autumn and even in winter.

The presence of these warm‍ air masses prevents the entry of colder⁤ currents from the north, thus retaining heat in Europe⁤ and creating more extended and lasting “St.

Martin’s summer” ‌situations ⁣compared to the past. One of the most striking examples occurred in November 2022, when several‌ Italian cities recorded ​temperatures ‍well above the seasonal⁤ average.

In cities like Rome, Florence, and Milan, peaks ⁣of 22-24 degrees were recorded, temperatures decidedly uncommon⁣ for the period. The same happened in southern areas, with ‌cities like Naples and ​Palermo ⁤recording⁣ peaks⁤ close to​ 30 degrees, heat ‌levels usually observed at the beginning of September.⁤ This phenomenon was accompanied by clear skies and sunny days, situations that help maintain high temperatures even at night.

In November 2019, there was also an⁤ abnormal heat ⁤wave, with​ temperatures ⁢over 4-5 degrees above the seasonal averages in many parts of the country. The increase in temperatures in November is not an‌ isolated phenomenon,‌ but⁤ rather part of a broader picture of global warming.

Data confirm⁢ that ⁢in ‌recent‍ decades the Earth’s average⁣ temperature has increased by about 1.1 ‌degrees Celsius compared to‍ pre-industrial levels, and Europe is one⁢ of the fastest-warming continents. This warming‍ is responsible for significant changes ‍in seasonal climatic ‌patterns, as demonstrated by heat waves ​occurring ⁢in periods of the year when cooler or cold temperatures⁤ were usually recorded.

In⁣ this ⁢context, the Mediterranean‍ serves as​ a ​”hot ‌spot” for climate change, ⁣with warming above the global average and an‍ increase in the ‌frequency of extreme ​events.‍ Abnormal ⁣heat waves ‌in November not ‍only cause climate-related discomfort but also have consequences for the ⁣environment‌ and the‌ economy.‌ Crops and natural ecosystems are affected by this out-of-season ‍warming, ‍as ​many plants​ and animal species regulate their ‌biological cycles⁢ based on⁤ temperature. Plants, for example, might sprout out of season or‍ be induced to early flowering, only ⁣to⁤ suffer damage⁣ in case of sudden temperature drops. Animals that hibernate or migrate based on seasonal variations can be disoriented, affecting biodiversity and the natural balance ‌of species. Tourism is also affected, as the demand for winter activities ​like skiing and mountain sports is compromised by milder winters.

Ski resorts,​ especially those ‍at lower altitudes, might see ⁤a reduced ski season ​duration or even the impossibility of ⁤operating ⁢without the massive use of artificial snow, ​with significant economic repercussions. An example was the⁤ winter of 2022-2023, which saw a severe ⁢lack of snow‌ in the Alps already in the early months of ⁤the season, leading many resorts to⁣ delay opening or reduce activities.

The need to invest in expensive technologies for artificial snow​ production is not‌ sustainable ​for all resorts, and many mountain sectors are struggling to cope with these changes. The ⁢abnormal ⁤heat waves occurring ‍in November in Italy⁢ are part of a broader phenomenon linked to global climate change.

This⁤ out-of-season warming, besides being a symptom of a‍ transforming planet, invites us⁤ to reflect ⁤on the urgency of‌ adopting more sustainable environmental policies to limit‍ further temperature‌ increases. ​ Scientific evidence and​ episodes of recent ​years​ make‍ it increasingly clear⁣ how necessary it is to intervene ⁢promptly to prevent climate changes ⁢from becoming irreversible, and for ⁢November’s abnormal heat to ⁤become the norm rather than the exception.

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