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Fact check: How does climate change impact heatwaves?
Fact check: How does climate change impact heatwaves?

Euronews

time16 hours ago

  • Climate
  • Euronews

Fact check: How does climate change impact heatwaves?

Several European countries are set to see the mercury soar again on Wednesday as high-pressure zones persist across the continent. Experts are warning that sweltering temperatures are becoming the norm. 'Extreme heat is no longer a rare event - it has become the new normal,' UN Secretary General António Guterres said earlier this week. The abnormally high temperatures gripping Europe are caused by a heat dome, a phenomenon where high pressure lingers over a large area, trapping hot air. But the extent to which human-induced global warming — driven by decades of fossil fuel pollution — is exacerbating such episodes of extreme heat has also come under scrutiny. Scientists warn against directly attributing individual weather events to climate change: these episodes happen regardless. But there is a scientific consensus that global warming is making heatwaves more frequent, intense and longer-lasting, with potentially dire consequences for people's health. Hotter heatwaves here to stay Researchers at Carbon Brief recently mapped every published scientific study detailing how climate change has influenced extreme weather. This analysis covered 116 heat-related events in Europe. Of this total, scientists deemed 110 (95%) were made more severe or more likely because of climate change. June heatwaves are around ten times more likely to occur now compared to pre-industrial times because of the impact of climate change, scientists at World Weather Attribution estimate. Others say atmospheric events driving heatwaves have almost tripled in strength and duration since the 1950s. Heatwaves are defined as a prolonged period — usually lasting at least three days — of higher-than-usual temperatures. This means that the threshold temperatures for a heatwave vary between countries and even within borders. For example, temperatures need to climb to 39°C over a prolonged period in Athens for a heatwave to occur. In Helsinki, just 25°C is required for the criteria to be met. These events happen more frequently because the mean temperature is generally higher due to climate change, making it more likely for the conditions of a heatwave to occur. Valerio Lucarini, a climate scientist at the University of Leicester, explains that deviations from the expected weather patterns are now also much more 'persistent". 'As we have changing dynamics in the atmosphere, we have a higher probability of so-called blocked flows,' Professor Lucarini explains, referring to stationary high-pressure systems that lead to prolonged heat. 'These patterns allow for the occurrence of large temperature anomalies, and persistent ones.' European heatwaves are potentially up to 2.5°C hotter and drier than other similar events in recent years due to human-driven climate change, according to a study led by Professor Lucarini and a group of European academics for ClimaMeter. 'We're seeing a record-breaking continental heatwave at the moment, and it's warmer than it otherwise would have been due to climate change,' Samatha Burgess, Deputy Director of the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service, told Euronews "This heatwave is remarkable for three reasons: the intensity of the maximum temperatures forecast over large areas, the geographical extent of the warm anomaly and how early this is in the summer period," she explained. Burgess added that periods of extreme heat exceptionally early and late in the summertime are becoming more common, prolonging the time of the year when there are risks of severe heat stress. Europe is particularly vulnerable Europe is the fastest-warming continent, seeing average temperatures rise at around 0.5°C per decade compared to 0.2°C globally. Its proximity to the Arctic, which is by far the fastest-warming part of the planet, contributes to this rapid warming, making it more vulnerable to heat waves. Of the 30 most severe heatwaves to hit Europe between 1950 and 2023, 23 of them occurred since 2000, according to the World Meteorological Organisation's (WMO) Europe Regional Climate Centre. Scientists also believe southern Europe and the Mediterranean are particularly exposed due to their geographical location between the dry subtropics of North Africa and the wetter parts of northern Europe. A 2020 study concludes that this brings unusually high surface pressure over the Mediterranean Sea, as well as hot and dry air from the Sahara towards Morocco and southwestern Europe. This results in more frequent dry springs and favours summer drought and heatwaves. Scientists also say the changing behaviour of the jet stream — the rapid currents encircling the planet from west to east — could explain why Europe and North America are increasingly exposed to heatwaves, sometimes happening concurrently. A phenomenon known as the 'double jet stream' — where the current of air splits, leaving hot air lingering over the continent — is largely responsible for the rise in Western Europe's heatwaves, German researchers said in 2022. What about ocean heat waves? Land areas in Europe are warming up faster than the ocean, but the Mediterranean is currently seeing record-breaking sea surface temperatures, including for June. 'When seawater is warm, it evaporates more and heats the atmosphere above it. And with that evaporation, it generates more potential energy for storms. So there's this feedback between the atmosphere and the ocean,' Samantha Burgess explained. Professor Lucarini pointed out that the current heatwave has coincided with a period of abnormally high temperatures — 4 to 5°C higher than average — in parts of the Mediterranean. 'We are seeing huge sea surface temperature anomalies all across the Western Mediterranean Sea and the East Atlantic,' he explained. 'Take France, it's surrounded by ultra-hot waters, so obviously, it's much more prone to having long and persistent temperature anomalies on the land, as well as very strong thunderstorms.' Far-reaching consequences Cold weather is estimated to cause as many as ten times more deaths in Europe than the heat. But shifting climate conditions could drive up heat-related deaths. A study by the European Commission estimates that, without climate mitigation and adaptation, the death toll from extreme heat in the European Union and the United Kingdom could multiply thirtyfold by the end of this century. By the same time, heat-related deaths in southern Europe are expected to be 9.3 times more frequent than in northern Europe, compared to six times more frequent now. Extreme heat can also trigger other extreme weather events, such as subtropical storms, drought and wildfires. "The hotter the temperature is, the more evaporation we get from soil moisture. And the drier the soil is, the drier the vegetation is above it, which means we've got a much greater risk of fires," Burgess said, adding that this "doesn't necessarily mean we'll get a fire because we still need that ignition source". This all means Europe needs to be increasingly prepared for hot episodes and their repercussions, both from a health and public safety point of view.

Last month hottest June on record in England, Met Office figures suggest
Last month hottest June on record in England, Met Office figures suggest

The Herald Scotland

timea day ago

  • Climate
  • The Herald Scotland

Last month hottest June on record in England, Met Office figures suggest

For the UK as a whole, the mean temperature was 15.2C, just behind 15.8C set in 2023. Meanwhile, Wales saw its third warmest June, behind 2023 and 2018. It comes as Tuesday was confirmed as the hottest day of the year so far, with a temperature of 33.6C recorded in Frittenden, Kent. The Met Office said temperatures are 'very likely' to climb even higher in the South East during the afternoon, with forecasters saying temperatures could reach 34C to 35C in London before cooler conditions sweep in from the north. The hot weather marks the second heat wave for parts of the UK within the last month, with scientists warning the high temperatures were made more likely because of human-caused climate change. England has had its warmest June on record, while the UK has experienced its second warmest since 1884, according to provisional Met Office statistics. Find out all the details below or via this short thread.. 👇🧵 — Met Office (@metoffice) July 1, 2025 In terms of rainfall, the Met Office figures show the UK saw an average of 79.5mm in June overall, 3% above the long-term average for the month. But there were clear regional differences in the amount of rain experienced. While Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all saw at least 20% more rainfall than average, England received 80% of the average. There was also a north-south split within England, with northern areas seeing 98% of the long-term average but southern parts experiencing 68%. The country saw one of the driest springs on record, prompting drought status to be declared recently in the North West and Yorkshire. Sunshine levels were above average across the UK – at 112% – although no national records were broken, while England was particularly sunny seeing 124% of the average, according to the Met Office. Extreme heat is becoming more frequent and intense because of climate change, and experts say the health impacts of heat are severely underestimated. They warn that the UK is unprepared for the rising risk of extremely hot conditions that climate change is bringing – especially earlier in the summer, when people are less acclimatised to coping with it. Dr Amy Doherty, Met Office climate scientist, said: 'While we've not conducted formal climate attribution studies into June 2025's two heat waves, past studies have shown it is virtually certain that human influence has increased the occurrence and intensity of extreme heat events such as this. 'Numerous climate attribution studies have shown that human influence increased the chance that specific extreme heat events would occur, such as the summer of 2018 and July 2022. Searing temperatures earlier in June were made 100 times more likely because of human-caused climate change, a World Weather Attribution study found (Jonathan Brady/PA) 'Our Met Office climate projections indicate that hot spells will become more frequent in our future climate, particularly over the south-east of the UK. 'Temperatures are projected to rise in all seasons, but the heat would be most intense in summer.' A rapid study by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) research group found the searing temperatures earlier in June were made 100 times more likely because of human-caused climate change, while the heat wave that gripped south-east England was 10 times likelier. Dr Garyfallos Konstantinoudis, research fellow at the Grantham Institute, Imperial College London, said: 'Heat waves are silent killers. 'Unlike floods or storms, their impact can be invisible: people who die during extreme heat usually have pre-existing health conditions, and heat is rarely recorded as a contributing cause of death.'

Six major warnings ahead of 36C UK heatwave as temperatures higher than Barbados
Six major warnings ahead of 36C UK heatwave as temperatures higher than Barbados

Daily Mirror

time2 days ago

  • Climate
  • Daily Mirror

Six major warnings ahead of 36C UK heatwave as temperatures higher than Barbados

The UK is facing scorching temperatures in parts of the country today where the mercury is expected to rise into the mid 30Cs and here are warnings people are being urged to take Brits are set to swelter again today where the mercury could reach 36C, making it hotter than tourist hotspots like Barbados and here are six major safety warnings. The most intense heat is forecast for southern and eastern parts of England on Tuesday after highs of more than 33C rounded off June. Many areas across the regions will again pass above 30C as a heatwave continues, while the rest of the UK will see more changeable conditions, the Met Office said. ‌ Amber heat health alerts issued by the UKHSA for Yorkshire and the Humber, the East Midlands, the West Midlands, the East of England, London, the South East and the South West have been extended until 9am on Wednesday. ‌ A yellow heat health alert has also been extended to the same time for the North West, with significant impacts on health and social care services. Monday saw the hottest start to Wimbledon on record, with 32.9C recorded at nearby Kew Gardens, while 33.1C was recorded at Heathrow. Charlwood in Surrey recorded the hottest temperature of the year so far at 33.2C on June 21. But while many Brits will be enjoying the Caribbean weather important warnings have also been given for people to stay safe with the intense heat also bringing dangers. Elderly/vulnerable The UKHSA alerts are designed to warn health and social care workers about the impacts of hot weather on their services, including possible weather-related deaths in those aged 65 or with long-term conditions. ‌ Scientists such as Dr Fredi Otto, from the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial and one of the scientists leading the World Weather Attribution work, label heatwaves as 'silent killers'. She said: 'Every year thousands of people in Europe die due to extreme heat, particularly those that live in poorly insulated homes, on busy, polluted roads, and that have already health problems." Particularly at risk are those who are older, or have pre-existing health conditions: more than 1,000 excess deaths among older people were recorded around the four-day peak of the July 2022 heatwave, with more than 3,000 heat-related deaths in England over that summer. ‌ People are also being urged to check up on vulnerable people, especially those with dementia who may forget to keep hydrated. Angelo Makri, Senior Knowledge Officer for Wellbeing at Alzheimer's Society, said: "People should absolutely enjoy the nice weather we're having; however, it's important to note that high temperatures can lead to severe health problems for people with dementia unless they take precautions to keep cool and well-hydrated. Don't go out Brits are being urged to avoid going outside at particular times today when the sun poses the highest risk to life. ‌ Many will be heading out to beach and green spaces up and down the country today as weather maps turn a glowing red and temperatures rocket up well above 30C. In a reel posted on Instagram, paramedics explained how people are most at risk during certain times of the day, when the sun is at its height in the sky. They advise people to completely "avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm where possible". The service also advises people to take preventative medication for conditions like hay fever and asthma. ‌ Five medications A health warning has been issued regarding five specific types of medication that can potentially cause complications during hot weather. On The Conversation website, Dipa Kamdar, Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice at Kingston University, emphasised that people should keep taking the medications - but that they need to take measures to ensure they don't have an issue. She said: "The body uses several mechanisms to regulate temperature: sweating, blood flow to the skin and fluid balance. But some commonly prescribed drugs interfere with these processes, making it harder to stay cool." ‌ She listed the five medications for which people need to take particular care as: antidepressants, antipsychotics, heart medications, stimulants and insulin. Dogs in cars Pet owners are being urged to remain vigilant during the heatwave after a French Bulldog died while trapped in traffic in a hot car. ‌ The Frenchie - a breed which is at particular risk in hot temperatures - had to be rushed to Blue Cross animal hospital in Victoria, London after the owner got stuck in traffic but tragically the dog could not be saved. Vets at Blue Cross are now warning pet owners of the dangers of travelling with their pet in the car during extremely hot weather. Aysha Kent, vet at Blue Cross, said: 'We'd really urge anyone to reconsider travelling with their pets during the hot weather – especially long distances. 'This is such a terribly distressing and sad case, and our thoughts are with the owner who did what they could to save the pet by rushing them into our care but sadly it was too late. ‌ 'While we often think our cars are cool when we're driving, this is often due to the active cooling of fans, and the actual vehicle temperature is much higher than we know. Putting the windows down isn't enough to stop the heat rising. Aysha added: 'Avoid the usual walks and just take dogs for brief toilet breaks in the garden or outside nearby. Give pets frozen or cooled treats to stay cool and, if possible, provide dogs with a paddling pool to cool them down.#" Early signs that your dog might be struggling with the heat include panting (especially if they have a curled tongue), slowing down or stopping on walks, and fast or heavy breathing. After this, you might see them drooling or lying down, followed by more serious symptoms such as vomiting, collapse or fits. ‌ Wildfires A warning has been issued as firefighters have responded to more than 500 wildfires across England and Wales this year so far and temperatures continue to rise. London Fire Brigade assistant commissioner Thomas Goodall said: 'London is already facing its second heatwave of the year and we know that people will be looking forward to getting outside to enjoy the wonderful weather. 'But the high temperatures and low rainfall in recent months means the current risk of wildfires is severe. During this latest heatwave, it is important everyone acts responsibly to prevent fires from occurring. As the weather has been so dry, it only takes a few sparks to lead to a fire spreading rapidly.' ‌ National Fire Chiefs Council chairman Phil Garrigan said: 'We are deeply concerned about the escalating threat of wildfires this summer, which have the potential to become more frequent, intense and dangerous – particularly in areas where communities border the countryside. We all need to play our part in protecting each other, our environment and our homes and businesses. 'We want everyone to enjoy the nice weather, we are just asking that they take extra care when out and about because it only takes one small error to lead to a significant wildfire. Fire and rescue services are already under significant pressure, having responded to hundreds of wildfires this year alone. ‌ Workers The TUC is warning that workers who are outside for lengthy periods in high temperatures are at serious risk of sunstroke, heat stress and even skin cancer. Working in hot weather can also lead to dehydration, tiredness, muscle cramps, fainting, and – in the most extreme cases – loss of consciousness. TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: 'Nobody should have to work in unsafe circumstances, but working outside in the intense heat and sunlight of a heatwave is a serious hazard. ‌ 'Employers should allow flexible working hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day, and provide regular breaks, plenty of water, sunscreen, and suitable clothing. If you're concerned about your working conditions, joining a union is the best way to make sure that your safety is respected by your employer.' But the UK does not need additional workplace laws which would allow Britons to be sent home during hot weather, the Business Secretary has said. Jonathan Reynolds said 'behavioural changes' like drinking plenty of water and staying protected in the sun were more important. He said: 'It is a hot day today for a northerner like myself. I'm struggling a little bit with it. There are existing laws in place, the health and safety acts, around what a safe workplace should be. I don't think we need more legislation in that area.' He added: 'Obviously, some behavioural changes, making sure people are hydrated, obviously are duly protected if they work, particularly outside. I think we have got to make sure that we're doing that. We shouldn't need additional laws.'

Europe Heat Wave: Tourist Death and Wildfires Spark Travel Warnings
Europe Heat Wave: Tourist Death and Wildfires Spark Travel Warnings

Skift

time2 days ago

  • Climate
  • Skift

Europe Heat Wave: Tourist Death and Wildfires Spark Travel Warnings

It's too early to say how much extreme heat will disrupt early summer travel in the region, but the season has kicked off with a stark reminder: It is now part of the holiday landscape in southern Europe. Authorities in the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Norway, and Austria have issued heat-related travel advisories for popular tourist destinations in southern Europe. A dangerous heat wave is sweeping across many Mediterranean countries, with some areas already experiencing temperatures of 42°C (107.6°F). In Majorca, a tourist has died, and wildfires have prompted evacuations in France. The extreme heat is the latest example of how Europe, the fastest-warming continent, is experiencing the intensifying effects of the climate crisis. While it is difficult to directly attribute individual extreme weather events to climate change, heat waves are becoming more frequent and more intense as the planet warms. Scientists at World Weather Attribution, a group that analyzes the impact of climate change on extreme weather, say that June heat waves with three consecutive days above 28°C (82.4°F) are now about 10 times more likely compared to pre-industrial times. Skift has been reporting how extreme heat is upending local tourism, from the Greek islands to southern Spain. Warnings from the North Germany has issued warnings for travelers heading to Croatia, Spain, and Portugal, urging serious precautions. 'Extremely high temperatures are expected. Protect yourself, children, and senior citizens. Follow advice provided by relevant authorities. Infrastructure failures are possible,' the German government's weather said in its advisory for Croatia. Sweden warned about Spain's high temperatures and the potential for wildfires. 'A severe heat wave is expected to hit large parts of the country. In some places, temperatures will exceed 40 degrees,' the Swedish foreign ministry said. 'Consider how you would describe your location if you need to raise the alarm due to a forest fire,' the ministry said, in a message to tourists traveling to Spain and staying close to forests and woodlands. Fatal Heat and Wildfires In Spain, local media reported that a 34-year-old Dutch tourist died from heatstroke on Friday while hiking the Camí de Son Sales trail near Sóller in Majorca. Emergency services were called at around 2:50 p.m., but despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. In France, wildfires forced the evacuation of a campsite in the Corbières area of Aude, in the southwest of the country, during a heat spike that reached 40°C, according to reports. Meteo France, the national weather service, said it was unclear what happened to the campers after the evacuation. Health Alerts and Safety Advice Governments across Europe have issued health alerts, particularly targeting vulnerable groups such as older adults, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing health conditions. Madrid's health ministry urged residents and visitors to stay in the shade, remain hydrated, and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. Spain's state meteorological agency, Aemet, emphasized the severity of the ongoing heat wave. 'We are expecting abnormally high and persistent temperatures, both day and night, which could pose risks to vulnerable or exposed individuals,' Aemet said. Heat-related deaths have sharply increased across Europe in recent years, driven by rising baseline temperatures and more frequent extreme heat events. The World Health Organization estimates that 175,000 people die from heat-related causes in Europe each year, a figure expected to rise as global temperatures continue to climb. 'In the European region, heat stress is the leading cause of climate-related death,' said Dr. Hans Kluge, the WHO's regional director. Skift's in-depth reporting on climate issues is made possible through the financial support of Intrepid Travel. This backing allows Skift to bring you high-quality journalism on one of the most important topics facing our planet today. Intrepid is not involved in any decisions made by Skift's editorial team.

Asia is heating up, and India is feeling the burn
Asia is heating up, and India is feeling the burn

India Today

time25-06-2025

  • Climate
  • India Today

Asia is heating up, and India is feeling the burn

Asia is warming nearly twice as fast as the rest of the world, and the consequences are becoming harder to ignore. According to the World Meteorological Organisation's latest State of the Climate in Asia report, 2024 was among the warmest years ever recorded on the continent. The average temperature across Asia last year was about 1.04 degrees Celsius above the 1991–2020 is Asia heating faster?Asia has the largest landmass of any continent, and according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, land surfaces tend to warm more quickly than oceans. However, Asia's surrounding seas are warming up just as fast — its sea surface temperatures rose at 0.24 degrees Celsius per decade, nearly double the global average of 0.13 degrees Celsius — and offer no substantial high vulnerability India, already one of the most climate-vulnerable countries due to its vast population, coastline, and dependence on agriculture, is facing the heat. The country faced one of its longest heat waves in 2024, with temperatures soaring above 45 degrees Celsius in several states, causing more than 450 experienced extreme weather events on 322 of the 366 days in 2024, which claimed 3,472 lives and damaged 4.07 million hectares of crop area. Between March and April 17, 2025, India saw a staggering 162 deaths from lightning strikes across 12 states, a 184per cent rise compared to the same period in rainfall events have also grown more frequent and more damaging. For instance, in late July 2024, northern Kerala's Wayanad was hit by massive landslides caused by heavy rains, which claimed more than 350 lives. An analysis by the World Weather Attribution later confirmed that this rainfall was about 10 per cent more intense due to human-driven climate in 2025, India witnessed extreme weather events nearly every day of the first quarter, per the State of India's Environment In Figures 2025 report. According to the report, the toll from extreme weather events surged in just three years, with weather-linked deaths rising by 15 per cent, and crop damage more than doubled."The State of the Climate in Asia report highlights changes in key indicators such as surface temperature, glacier mass, and sea level — each carries profound implications for societies, economies, and ecosystems," warned WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. "Extreme weather is already exacting an unacceptably high toll."Adapt to surviveDespite this, climate adaptation remains underfunded. A recent World Resources Institute report found that initiatives like building climate-resilient infrastructure, expanding early warning systems, and restoring natural ecosystems don't just protect lives, but also work economically. Every $1 spent on adaptation can yield up to $10 in savings and benefits over the next floods, droughts, and heatwaves intensify across the globe, the case for acting now before the next disaster hits has never been stronger.- EndsTune InMust Watch

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