Heatwave

Fossil fuel emissions have rapidly worsened European heatwaves in just a few decades

A person uses an umbrella to keep cool during a heatwave in London, England. June 22 2026. The UK’s Met Office issued a rare red extreme heat warning across parts of the country for this week.

Just weeks after a severe heatwave that broke all-time May records, Europe is experiencing another major heatwave that is breaking June and annual records. This is particularly remarkable given that June is not historically the hottest month in Western Europe. Across France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and southern England, temperatures are reaching 5–12°C above seasonal averages, … Continue reading “Fossil fuel emissions have rapidly worsened European heatwaves in just a few decades”

Climate change exposes millions of Hajj pilgrims to deadly heat for increasingly longer parts of the year

The Kaaba during Hajj

The Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the five pillars of Islam and a lifelong dream for many Muslims. All Muslims who are physically and financially able are expected to make the pilgrimage at least once in their lives. This year, the Hajj falls in May, traditionally a safer and milder time of year … Continue reading “Climate change exposes millions of Hajj pilgrims to deadly heat for increasingly longer parts of the year”

Climate change exposes hundreds of millions to longer and deadlier pre-monsoon heat in South Asia

People cover their heads and carry fans in Delhi during temperatures in excess of 40°C

From mid April and advancing into May, India and Pakistan experienced extremely high temperatures, including daily maximum temperatures above 46°C in many cities in India (Times of India, 2026).  This ongoing period of extreme heat brought severe human and economic impacts across India and Pakistan (Al Jazeera, 2026), two of the most densely populated regions … Continue reading “Climate change exposes hundreds of millions to longer and deadlier pre-monsoon heat in South Asia”

Record-shattering March temperatures in Western North America virtually impossible without climate change

Sunset over downtown Los Angeles

An unusually early spring heatwave is developing across the southwestern United States (US), with temperatures that are more typical of summer than mid-March (AccuWeather, 16 March 2026). Driven by a strong, slow-moving high pressure system, called a ‘heat dome’, the event is causing temperatures to rise 11-17℃ (20-30℉) above average across parts of California, Nevada … Continue reading “Record-shattering March temperatures in Western North America virtually impossible without climate change”