Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2021-242
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2021-242
02 Sep 2021
 | 02 Sep 2021
Status: this preprint was under review for the journal NHESS but the revision was not accepted.

Characteristics of Heatwaves in Africa: Morocco 2000 and South Africa 2015/16

Chloe Brimicombe, Claudia Di Napoli, Rosalind Cornforth, Florian Pappenberger, Celia Petty, and Hannah L. Cloke

Abstract. Heatwaves pose an ever increasing risk to African communities as exposure to heat extremes can have a drastic effect on individuals and in some cases can even result in death. This study presents new information about the characteristics of historical African heatwaves including a comprehensive synopsis of documented heatwave events from 1980 until 2020.Detailed research on heatwave case studies helps to inform the development of early warning systems and forecasting, which is an urgent priority. Here, the focus is on two reported heatwaves, Morocco 2000 and South Africa 2015/16. Both heatwaves feature in the Emergency Events Disaster database (EM-DAT) and include reported impacts, with the Morocco heat being the only hazard to be associated with an economic cost. In addition, these heatwaves reveal how the mechanisms behind them are closely influenced by synoptic systems and geography of their regions. Further, It is demonstrated there is some reporting by African Nations for heatwaves but that this needs significant improvement.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.
Chloe Brimicombe, Claudia Di Napoli, Rosalind Cornforth, Florian Pappenberger, Celia Petty, and Hannah L. Cloke

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on nhess-2021-242', Anonymous Referee #1, 28 Sep 2021
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Chloe Brimicombe, 01 Nov 2021
  • RC2: 'Comment on nhess-2021-242', Anonymous Referee #2, 28 Sep 2021
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Chloe Brimicombe, 01 Nov 2021

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on nhess-2021-242', Anonymous Referee #1, 28 Sep 2021
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Chloe Brimicombe, 01 Nov 2021
  • RC2: 'Comment on nhess-2021-242', Anonymous Referee #2, 28 Sep 2021
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Chloe Brimicombe, 01 Nov 2021
Chloe Brimicombe, Claudia Di Napoli, Rosalind Cornforth, Florian Pappenberger, Celia Petty, and Hannah L. Cloke
Chloe Brimicombe, Claudia Di Napoli, Rosalind Cornforth, Florian Pappenberger, Celia Petty, and Hannah L. Cloke

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Latest update: 06 Dec 2024
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Short summary
Heatwaves are an increasing risk to African communities. This hazard can have a negative impact on peoples lives and in some cases results in their death. This study shows new information about heatwave characteristics through a list of heatwave events that have been reported for the African continent from 1980 until 2020. Case studies are useful helps to inform the development of early warning systems and forecasting, which is an urgent priority and needs significant improvement.
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