Heatwaves and extreme weather events might be the last thing we want to think about right in the middle of the summer holiday season. But we’ve all seen the headlines - climate change is making temperatures rise to dangerous levels more frequently.
So while we work to plant millions of trees to cool the planet, we're also here to help you beat the heat when temperatures soar. We've partnered with AccuWeather to bring you the most accurate and up-to-date weather information available, including Current Conditions, Daily and Hourly Forecasts, and Global Severe Weather Alerts.
Our new weather tool can be used on both mobile or desktop devices by simply searching for a location and adding "weather" as the search key term. The product integration will also alert you to severe weather events, including dangerous high and low temperatures.
Cooling urban areas with trees
We are also exploring ways to use the data from AccuWeather to identify areas with extremely high urban temperatures and poor air quality due to low or no tree-cover.
We know that trees can help cool their surroundings by up to 12°C by providing shade and bringing moisture back into the air. This new information available to us will be used to help us plant trees in areas where they are most needed.
Tips to stay safe during a heatwave
- Stay out of the heat, if you can. Check the weather on Ecosia and plan your day accordingly. If you have to go outside, try to stay in the shade, wear sunscreen, a hat, and light clothes, and avoid exercising during the hottest time of the day.
- Cool down. Opt for cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine, and hot drinks, and have a cool shower if needed.
- Stay hydrated. It’s really important to drink water regularly; don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
- Keep your home cool. Close windows or draw curtains during the hottest time of the day. Make sure you have a working fan, or find a cool place (like a library) to go if you don’t have one.
