For the last week or so, all we seem to have been discussing is the heatwave. It has gone beyond discomfort to the point where many feel ill when venturing outdoors. Even indoors, there is no respite from the heat (unless you are in air-conditioned comfort).

But this year is no different.

In recent years, discussions about rising summer temperatures have become increasingly common. People often debate whether summers are genuinely becoming hotter or if this is just a perception influenced by various factors.

First, let us acknowledge the scientific data regarding global temperature trends. Over the past century, there has been an obvious rise in average global temperatures, primarily attributed to human activities. Global warming is real and has undoubtedly impacted weather patterns, including the intensity and duration of summer heatwaves.

Statistical analyses conducted by climate scientists reveal a clear pattern of increasing temperatures across many regions. These findings are supported by data collected from weather stations, satellites, and other monitoring systems. Therefore, there is empirical evidence to suggest that summers are indeed getting hotter on a global scale.

However, subjective influences in our lifestyle can also influence our perception of summer heat. Humans are inherently sensitive to temperature changes, and various psychological and contextual elements can affect how we perceive heat. For instance, humidity and wind speed intensify the feeling of heat, even if the actual temperature hasn't increased much.

The urban heat island effect significantly contributes to the perception that cities feel warmer than rural areas. Concrete, asphalt, and buildings in urban environments absorb and retain heat, creating microclimates that can feel several degrees hotter than surrounding regions. As urbanization expands, more people experience this amplified sensation of summer heat, contributing to the perception that summers are becoming hotter.

Add to this the changes in our lifestyle. Air conditioners have become common in every household, making us more accustomed to comfortable temperatures throughout the day. The abrupt change in surrounding temperature also affects our perception when we venture out to non-air-conditioned areas.

Surprisingly, social media also influences our perception of summer heat. With heightened awareness of climate change and its effects, increased attention is given to extreme weather events and their implications. As a result, people may be more inclined to attribute even a slightly hot summer to broader climate trends, further reinforcing the perception of rising temperatures.

On this note, I would like to bring up the issue of planting trees. If one-tenth of the people asking others to plant trees on social media had planted a tree themselves, we would have had a much greener environment. Secondly, planting saplings should not be only regarded as a photo opportunity. We should all take proper care of the sapling to ensure it grows into a tree.

Returning to whether summers are getting hotter or just feeling hotter, we need a multifaceted approach that considers both objective data and subjective experiences.  Understanding the complexities is crucial for addressing the challenges posed by rising temperatures and mitigating their impact on human health and the environment.

A blanket statement about summers getting hotter may not apply universally and requires a nuanced understanding of regional climate.