7 hours ago
Last Updated:July 01, 2025, 22:35 IST
WMO warned that extreme heat from human-induced climate change is becoming permanent as Europe faces severe heatwaves.
People refresh themselves at a public fountain during a heatwave in Paris. (AFP)
As vast swathes of Europe continue to reel under scorching summer temperatures, the United Nations’ weather and climate agency warned that the world must begin preparing to live with extreme heat as a permanent reality. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said that climate change- driven by human activity- is fuelling more frequent and severe heatwaves, particularly in the northern hemisphere.
Heatwaves Arrive Earlier And Hit Harder
Clare Nullis, spokesperson for the WMO, noted that while July is historically the hottest month, this year’s extreme heat arrived unusually early and with alarming intensity.
“Extreme heat is widely called the silent killer," she said, adding that its deadly toll is often underreported compared to more dramatic events like cyclones. She warned, “What can we expect in the future? More of the same—possibly even worse."
Africa’s Heat, Europe’s Pressure
Western Europe is currently under a powerful high-pressure system that has trapped hot air from northern Africa, amplifying the searing conditions. According to Clare Nullis, an ongoing marine heatwave in the Mediterranean- marked by exceptionally warm sea surface temperatures- is also driving up land temperatures. Cities, in particular, are facing the brunt of the crisis due to the urban heat island effect, where concrete infrastructure absorbs and reflects heat in the absence of greenery.
Preventable Deaths, Urgent Solutions
Clare Nullis stressed that heat-related deaths are entirely preventable as she said, “We have the knowledge, we have the tools- we can save lives", calling for more robust early warning systems and city-wide action plans.
She added, “As a result of human-induced climate change, extreme heat is becoming more frequent, more intense. It’s something we have to learn to live with."
Location :Switzerland
First Published:News world UN Says ‘Heatwaves Are Here To Stay' In Stark Warning On Climate Change
