Why 35°C feels deadlier in Europe than in South Asia?

ISLAMABAD: Recent heatwaves across Europe have claimed hundreds of lives, raising questions about why temperatures of around 35 degrees Celsius, which are common in countries such as Pakistan and other parts of South Asia, can have such devastating consequences in European nations.

One of the main reasons is climate adaptation. Most European countries have historically experienced cooler weather, and their populations are generally accustomed to lower temperatures.

In contrast, people in South Asia have lived with extreme summer heat for generations, making their bodies more adapted to higher temperatures.

Experts say that when temperatures suddenly rise to 35°C or above in Europe, the human body experiences significant stress because such conditions are relatively uncommon in many regions. This increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Another major factor is the lack of nighttime cooling during heatwaves. In recent European heat events, temperatures have remained unusually high even after sunset, preventing the body from recovering from daytime heat exposure.

Prolonged periods of hot days and warm nights significantly increase health risks, particularly for the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions.

Building design also plays a crucial role. Many homes and buildings in Europe are constructed to retain heat during the winter months. While this helps keep residents warm in cold weather, it can cause indoor temperatures to rise sharply during summer heatwaves.

By comparison, many buildings in South Asia incorporate features such as better ventilation, heat-resistant roofing, and traditional cooling methods that help reduce indoor heat.

Infrastructure and public preparedness further explain the difference. Temperatures around 35°C are considered unusual in many parts of Europe, whereas they are a normal part of summer in much of South Asia.

As a result, South Asian countries generally have greater experience in managing extreme heat, while European infrastructure and public health systems may be less prepared for prolonged heatwaves.

Humidity is another important factor. High humidity reduces the evaporation of sweat, making it harder for the body to cool itself naturally. As a result, the temperature can feel much hotter than the actual reading.

Some European heatwaves are accompanied by high humidity levels, increasing discomfort and health risks. In South Asia, heat conditions vary between dry and humid regions, meaning the perceived intensity of heat can differ from one area to another.

Experts emphasize that as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of heatwaves worldwide, countries across all regions will need to strengthen heat preparedness measures to protect vulnerable populations from extreme weather conditions.