Colorado Faces Intensifying Heat Wave, Climate Change Link Evident

Summary:
A significant heat wave is expected to intensify in Colorado on Friday, with temperatures potentially reaching or exceeding 100 degrees. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for much of the Interstate 25 corridor, anticipating daytime temperatures between 98 and 105 degrees. While it’s challenging to immediately link this specific heat wave to climate change, scientific evidence indicates that human-induced climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of such heat events. Historically, Colorado has faced deadly heat waves, but recent data show they are becoming more frequent and prolonged. From 1950 to 2020, heat waves have been more common across the state, particularly accelerating in the 2000s and 2010s. The trend is most pronounced in northwestern and central Colorado. Researchers have documented that the most extreme recent heat waves, including one in the Pacific Northwest in June 2021, are virtually impossible without human-driven climate change.