Over 100,000 people in Europe are estimated to have died due to extreme heat during the summers of 2022 and 2023.
A new study at Uppsala University shows that it is possible to predict heat-related deaths a week in advance. The researchers have developed a new forecasting system and also tested how well it works.
Previous warning systems have largely been based only on temperatures, according to Emma Holmberg, researcher in meteorology at Uppsala University.
”Our forecasting system takes into account both meteorological data and health statistics, which makes it possible for us to more accurately predict how heat can affect deaths,” she says in the press release.
Forecasts can therefore come to be crucial in order to be able to warn and implement necessary measures in time, according to Holmberg.
”By including heat-related mortality in heat warnings, authorities can focus resources where they are needed and target older, sick or other vulnerable groups,” says Holmberg.
