Frontiers in Environmental Science (Dec 2024)
Heat wave: a new characterization in terms of energy
Abstract
Heat waves (HW) are prolonged periods of excessively hot weather that can cause severe socioeconomic and environmental impacts. This study aims to evaluate the differences in stored heat and turbulent flux partitioning during a heat wave event in Mexico City, using observations from an eddy covariance tower during the period from 14 June to 21 June 2023. During this period, net radiation (Rn) and sensible heat flux (H) increased significantly, particularly from noon to evening, reflecting stable atmospheric conditions. The air temperature showed a noticeable increase in the afternoon and evening, whereas absolute humidity decreased. We found that during the heat wave, the Bowen ratio (β) increased by 80% during daylight hours and 65% over a full 24-hour period compared to the pre-heat wave period. This heat release at night prolonged warm conditions, intensifying heat stress. The partitioning of net radiation for latent heat (LE), sensible heat (H), and heat storage (ΔQs) showed significant changes; during the heat wave, 51% of Rn was allocated to H and 34% to ΔQs, compared to pre-heat wave values of 49% and 27%, respectively. This study introduces a new characterization of heat waves in terms of energy, emphasizing the significant shifts in energy flux partitioning and storage. The new characterization highlights the critical role of urban heat storage and its release in exacerbating heat stress during and after heat wave events. This approach provides a comprehensive understanding of the energy dynamics during heat waves, which is essential for developing effective mitigation strategies to combat the adverse effects of extreme heat in urban environments.
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