Have you noticed the wild temperature swings lately? One minute you’re sweating in the heat, the next you’re shivering in the cold. Feels like Mother Nature can’t make up her mind? Well, it’s all thanks to climate change wreaking havoc across the globe.

A recent study in the Nature Communications journal reveals that these rapid warm-to-cold or cold-to-warm flips have risen in regions like South America, Western Europe, Africa, and South and Southeast Asia over the past 60 years. It further found that these increased tropical temperature sudden swings are likely related to soil drying, deforestation, and enhanced atmospheric variability.

The flips mean that those living in the most vulnerable regions, especially developing countries like Kenya, are in for a bumpy ride. With poor infrastructure and little resilience, these countries are ill-equipped to handle the challenges posed by these unpredictable temperature shifts.

When compared to other hazards, the study shows, rapid temperature fluctuations pose a unique threat due to the limited time available to respond and adapt, potentially exacerbating impacts on both natural and societal systems.

“Failure to keep pace with these abrupt shifts between warm and cold conditions can place increased stress on the human body, heightening the risks of morbidity and mortality, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. This issue is particularly pronounced in low-income or high-poverty regions like Africa and South Asia, where ecosystems and societies are more susceptible to the effects of intense and rapid temperature changes.

“Sudden temperature drops over consecutive days can serve as modifiable risk factors for asthma exacerbation, particularly in patients with higher body mass index. Additionally, rapid and intense temperature drops can strain energy systems by creating sudden heating demands, as well as pose challenges for crops that may be damaged by unexpected frost,” the study states