Fifth Wave of Extreme Heat on the Way – Scientists' Forecast

The planet is bracing for a fifth wave of extreme heat with temperatures up to 37°C. Scientists project that by 2100, the duration of hot days will increase by more than four hours, especially at night. Analysis of data from 1981 to 2023 shows an average of 269 hours of extreme heat on land each summer. Low- and middle-income countries suffer the most. Western Europe recorded its hottest June-July with an average temperature of 21.62°C.

The planet is preparing for the fifth wave of extreme heat this season, with temperatures reaching up to 37°C, but scientists warn of more serious climate changes in the future. According to climatologists' projections, by 2100 the duration of extremely hot days will increase by more than four hours, with the main burden falling on nighttime, depriving people of natural coolness. This is dangerous because the body does not have time to cool down, increasing health risks, especially among vulnerable groups. Scientists analyzed global hourly records from 1981 to 2023 and recorded an average of 269 hours of extreme heat on land each summer. Modeling under a high-emissions scenario shows further growth. The main impact is borne by low- and middle-income countries, which suffer the most despite minimal contribution to emissions. Researchers call for detailed study of daily temperature fluctuations to improve early warning systems. The alarming forecasts came amid record temperatures in Western Europe, where June-July became the hottest on record with an average temperature of 21.62°C, exceeding the 2022 figure by nearly three degrees.