Research reveals compound heatwaves threaten populations in Sichuan–Chongqing, highlighting urgent need for climate adaptation strategies.
Key Points
This study investigates the impact of anomalous atmospheric heat sources on compound heatwaves in the Sichuan–Chongqing region.
Analyzed the frequency of compound heatwaves from 1985 to 2014 in the Sichuan–Chongqing region.
Examined the relationship between compound heatwaves and atmospheric apparent heat source over the Tibetan Plateau.
Utilized simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6 to project future scenarios under different emissions.
Projected population exposure to compound heatwaves could increase 2.83-fold and 2.72-fold for lower and higher emission scenarios.
Ultra-high risk zones for heatwaves are expected to cover up to 2% of the area in eastern Sichuan by the end of the century, affecting over 17% of the population.
The relationship between atmospheric heat sources and compound heatwaves is expected to strengthen significantly under increasing emissions.