Extreme Heat is Becoming More Frequent, Intense and Long-Lasting
The world is facing an unprecedented challenge: the rise of extreme heat. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), last month was the 2nd hottest July on record, driven by intense heatwaves in Europe and North America. This trend is not just a passing phenomenon, but a sign that the planet is getting hotter, for longer and with increasing intensity.
What's Happening
The WMO confirmed that the average surface temperature was 1.47°C higher last month compared to the pre-industrial baseline (1850-1900 average). Meanwhile, global sea surface temperatures were the highest ever recorded for the month of July. These data are based on information from the Copernicus climate monitoring service, of the European Union.
Why it Matters
Extreme heat has devastating consequences on ecosystems, agriculture, river levels, and transportation and energy systems. In Europe, especially in its western part, June and July were the hottest months ever recorded, and this trend is expected to persist in August. Furthermore, intense heat is facilitating the occurrence of wildfires on the continent.
The Mechanism Behind Extreme Heat
According to John Kennedy, head of climate information at the WMO, extreme heat is becoming more frequent, more intense, longer-lasting, and covering much larger areas than the colder climates of the past. This occurs due to the combined effect of long-term warming with a persistent pattern of alternating high and low-pressure systems that extends across the Northern Hemisphere.
Broader Context
Other regions of the globe are also suffering from intense heat, such as Japan and the Korean Peninsula, as well as other parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. At the same time, regions of West Africa are suffering from heavy rainfall and flooding, as well as more intense tropical storms. In the UK, the Met Office meteorological agency confirmed that the summer of 2026 is expected to be the hottest on record in the country.
What's Next
Insurer Swiss Re warned about the long-term impacts of extreme heat in Europe, including the lack of cooling infrastructure, such as air conditioning. This can have repercussions on reduced agricultural productivity, overloading of water and energy systems, and decreased work productivity.
Conclusions and Challenges
The rise of extreme heat is a global challenge that requires immediate action. It is essential that governments and international organizations work together to develop mitigation and adaptation strategies to global warming. Additionally, it is crucial to invest in cooling infrastructure and sustainable technologies to reduce the vulnerability of communities to extreme heat.
Source / Reference
Original URL: https://climainfo.org.br/2026/08/11/calor-extremo-esta-se-tornando-mais-frequente-intenso-e-duradouro-alerta-agencia-da-onu/