Heat health during future summers in eastern Asia: The combined roles of circulation, temperature and humidity

Excessive relative humidity (RH) in combination with high temperature can lead to heat stress, often measured by the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). The Clausius-Clapeyron (CC) relationship implies that warming reduces RH if no extra moisture is added. Over coastal regions like eastern Asia, however, predominant summer monsoon favours increased transport from surrounding oceans as a result of enhanced evaporation driven surface increase. This would lessen reduction potentially two-thirds. Based on two ensembles climate model simulations, this paper examines competing effects near-surface temperature, and circulation patterns region consequential health risks. Under emissions scenario (RCP8.5/SSP5-8.5), could increase 4 – 7°C WBGT increases several degrees end 21st century. Devastating extreme events therefore become frequent occurrence result. Overall, our results show how be just important when considering risks society excessive heat.