Why is the content of this map important?
Tropical nights are when the temperature stays above 20°C. It is important for the human well-being that the body can cool down after a hot day. During tropical nights, this is more difficult, especially for elderly or sick people. An increase of tropical nights can lead to an increase of mortality.
Which sectors are affected by this result?
An increase of tropical nights influences human well-being directly. Sleep that is revitalising is also harder during tropical nights. This impacts the health sector. The energy sector is affected by a higher electricity demand during summer due to increased use of air conditioning.
What is shown on the maps?
The maps show the number of tropical nights per year (i.e., nights with a minimum temperature of 20°C). Regions in southern Europe are most affected by tropical nights. These regions also show the largest increase under a 2°C warming.
Details and further information:
Under present day conditions more than four tropical nights per year occur, mainly in southern Europe. In Central, northern- and eastern Europe, tropical nights are a very rare event. Under 2°C warming, the possible number of tropical nights increases. In southern Europe, large areas show that more than 30 tropical nights per year will occur. Also in Central and eastern Europe, a couple of tropical nights per year will become usual. Areas affected under present day climate in southern Europe show the largest increase in tropical nights.
Claas Teichmann
Climate Service Center Germany (GERICS), Germany