Climate Matters: Climate change drives early summer heat wave in Columbia

Friday marks the official start of astronomical summer, and the summer heat is barreling in for much of the country. Much of Mid-Missouri will reach 90 degrees for the first time this year at the same time the heat index breaches triple digits.

90-degree temperatures are above average for central Missouri for late June, and excessive humidity will further add to the sweltering conditions.

Climate Central analyzed the upcoming heat wave with their Climate Shift Index, which calculates the fingerprint of climate change on daily temperatures. According to their study, the daytime high temperatures in Columbia this weekend are up to 2 times more likely due to climate change.

Shel Winkley, a meteorologist at Climate Central, says this event is especially notable for how quickly it's setting in. "What's really important here is that this is an early-season heat wave that's bringing temperatures that you would expect maybe by the end of summer when we have acclimated to summer heat," Shel says. Being pushed into summer heat too quickly can be very dangerous.

Overnight temperatures are seeing an even steeper increase with climate change. The low temperatures on Saturday in the 70s are made up to 5 times more likely due to climate change. Shel says this prolonged heat throughout the night can be especially dangerous. "For many of us, we have air conditioning. We can crank the thermometer down or the thermostat down and stay comfortable while we're sleeping. Not everybody has that luxury, right?" Shel explains.

The nighttime is typically when our bodies can rest and rejuvenate. "Our bodies are built to recuperate and recover from the daytime heat, so you can get ready to do it again the next day." Shel says, "When we see these compounding days like we're seeing with this heat wave, where it's nighttime temperatures that are elevated and that heat is building inside of your house and then the daytime temperatures that are excessive and that heat is building inside of your house, that's when we can start to really see those health impacts."

The city of Columbia has cooling centers that will be open during normal business hours for anyone who needs a place to cool off. You can find that information on their website.