Heat waves are a growing global threat to human health, well-being and livelihoods. Across 12 major European cities during the summer of 2025, a 10-day period of extreme heat led to 2,300 deaths—1,500 of them were attributed to climate change amplifying ...

Heat waves do more than dry out vegetation that can easily burn. They also play a role in lightning strikes, particularly dry lightning.

Lower temperatures than previously thought are required to place potentially lethal stress on the human body during extreme heat waves, a recent study found. A new physiological model that accounts for age and sun exposure shows that heat waves are ...

Climate change is fueling an increasing number of marine heat waves across the globe. When this intensifying heat is coupled with pollution — especially sewage, nitrogen fertilizer agricultural runoff, wildfire soot and possibly plastics — waterborne ...

Southeast Australia is enduring a record-breaking heat wave, with temperatures rising above 40ºC in many areas. For vulnerable people, particularly older Australians, this heat is not only uncomfortable but dangerous. High temperatures can worsen existing ...

A major heat wave broke temperature records across northwest Europe this week, triggered water shortages in the U.K. and, ironically, sent power prices plunging — even into negative territory. Driven by a persistent high-pressure heat dome, the scorching ...

Every summer, heat waves affect millions of people around the world. The World Meteorological Organization reported that at least 10 countries experienced temperatures higher than 50ºC in 2023–2024. With the increasing frequency, duration, and magnitude ...