• Drastic Temperature Fluctuations
We’ve all heard of climate change, and the role that humans have been playing in its onset and the effects that it has had on the planet. We hear of warmer summers and colder winters, but there’s another side to climate change that often goes unnoticed: drastic temperature fluctuations. This is when we experience big changes in temperature over short periods of time. These fluctuations, as one may expect, are not all that uncommon, yet the scale and frequency of them have been drastically altered by climate change.
What Causes Drastic Temperature Fluctuations?
Drastic temperature fluctuations are more likely to occur with the onset of climate change, as more heat is trapped in the atmosphere and overwhelms local weather systems. This heat causes extreme fluctuations in temperature that can happen in a matter of hours. For example, during summers, significantly cooler temperatures can occur during the late morning or early afternoon safety and comfortable temperatures can return later in the day.
Other factors may also be at some play in rapid temperature swings. Large and rapid weather fronts, whether storms or just changes in wind patterns, can cause drastic fluctuations in temperature. Additionally, local terrain and weather patterns may be attempting to equalize temperatures in a given circumference, creating more significant swings and more significant differences than would normally be seen on a global scale.
Effects of Drastic Temperature Fluctuations
Drastic temperature fluctuations can cause a range of issues, some mild and some more severe. The mild effects are usually just increased levels of discomfort, as certain regions are faced with temperature swings that are too severe or too rapid to properly prepare for. Clothing, shelter, and other forms of protection are not always up to the task at hand and can leave people feeling exposed.
The more severe risks posed by drastic temperature fluctuations are related to extreme weather events. If you’re familiar with the concept of climate change, you know that global temperatures are rising and climate-related disasters are on the rise. When these disasters hit, drastic and sudden temperature swings, coupled with accompanying winds, increased humidity and precipitation, can create a recipe for destruction, exacerbating the already extreme weather events.
Effects on Wildlife Population and Health
Animals and plants are not immune to the effects of drastic temperature fluctuations. Rapid changes can drastically alter ecosystems, potentially leading to extinction of species. Animals and plants that can’t adapt quickly enough to the changing environment (especially in impaired ecosystems) may not have the resources necessary to survive, and thus soon become extinct. This is particularly true for species of insects and invertebrates, where lifespan and population are heavily influenced by climate conditions.
In addition to these direct effects, drastic temperature swings can also affect wildlife populations indirectly. For example, rapidly changing temperatures may create an environment where a species of insect finds food and resources more sporadically, leading to a decrease in population size. Or, a species’ natural predators may find it harder to find and catch prey in rapidly fluctuating conditions, causing a decrease in their population as well.
Prediction of Drastic Temperature Fluctuations
While it’s not always possible to predict drastic temperature fluctuations, forecasters have begun researching ways to do so. By gathering data from sensors and models, meteorologists are able to predict changes in temperature more accurately and provide necessary warnings. In addition, scientists and climatologists are actively investigating the possibility of forecasting extreme events like tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods more accurately.
Drastic temperature fluctuations are often overlooked, yet they pose serious threats to both humans and wildlife. The onset of climate change has only served to increase the frequency and scale of these issues, and certain regions are seeing extreme changes in temperature on an almost daily basis. Fortunately, scientific research has begun investigating ways to predict drastic temperature fluctuations, allowing us to better prepare and protect ourselves and our environment.
