Heat emergency declared by WMO, affecting millions worldwide

Heat emergency declared by WMO, affecting millions worldwide

Heatwave Crisis Continues Across Europe and Asia

In July 2025, Europe and Asia experienced a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 30°C in Sweden and Finland, marking the hardest hit by abnormal heat in the region [1]. This crisis follows a long-standing trend, as approximately 489,000 heat-related deaths occurred annually worldwide between 2000 and 2019, with 45% of these deaths occurring in Asia and 36% in Europe [1].

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that the elderly and those with chronic illnesses are particularly at risk during heat events. This vulnerability was evident in the 2003 summer, when around 70,000 excess deaths occurred mostly among seniors in Europe, and in South Asia and Europe during 2022, with over 60,000 excess deaths from May to September [1].

The heatwave has also had a significant impact on the global workforce. Approximately 2.41 billion workers are exposed to excessive heat, with major exposure in Africa, Arab states, Asia, and Asia-Pacific regions [1].

Looking ahead, predictions for extreme heat events and associated mortality in 2025 and beyond indicate sharp increases. Under severe warming scenarios, heat-related deaths in places like England and Wales could increase by more than fifty times by the 2070s, reaching over 34,000 deaths annually from current levels near 634 per year [2]. Even under optimistic scenarios, heat deaths could still increase up to sixfold by the end of the century [2].

The future health impact of heatwaves depends not only on temperature rise but also on societal factors such as urban planning, care for vulnerable populations, and social inequality [2]. Interventions like improved early warning systems and increasing urban green spaces by 10–30% are projected to have cooling effects and reduce heat-related deaths [2].

These projections emphasize that Europe and Asia, due to their large heat-related death burdens and ongoing warming trends, remain high-risk regions for extreme heat events in 2025 and beyond. Immediate mitigation and adaptation strategies are necessary to reduce future heat-related mortality [1][2].

In addition to Europe and Asia, other regions have also been affected by the ongoing heatwave. Southeastern Europe faced wildfires in July 2025, and Turkey recorded a new high of 50.5°C. The hottest temperatures in August 2025 reached up to 50°C in southwestern Iran and eastern Iraq. Meteorologists warn that extreme heat can cause devastating wildfires [3].

Co Barrett, the Deputy Secretary-General of the WMO, stated that deaths from extreme heat, previously considered a silent killer, can now be prevented with modern science and technology [4]. The WMO emphasizes the need for early warning systems and action plans to protect health in hot conditions [5].

In July 2025, according to the EU's climate change service, Copernicus, it was the third warmest July on record globally [6]. The data underscores both the current high burden and the urgent need to address future heat-related health risks, especially in Asia and Europe.

| Aspect | Details | |-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Current heatwave | Affecting Europe and Asia, with temperatures above 30°C in Sweden and Finland | | Historical heat-related deaths| Approximately 489,000 worldwide (2000–2019) | | Regional distribution | 45% in Asia, 36% in Europe | | Significant past events | 70,000 excess deaths in Europe (2003 heatwave); 60,000+ excess deaths in South Asia/Europe (2022) | | Workforce exposure | 2.41 billion workers exposed globally; major in Asia, Africa, Arab states | | Predictions for 2025+ | Sharp increases expected; up to 50x rise in some regions by 2070s under worst scenarios | | Adaptation measures | Urban green spaces, early warning systems, social support reduce risks | | Wildfires | Southeastern Europe faced wildfires in July 2025; Turkey recorded a new high of 50.5°C | | Record temperatures | Hottest temperatures in August 2025 reached up to 50°C in southwestern Iran and eastern Iraq | | WMO statements | Deaths from extreme heat can be prevented with modern science and technology; need for early warning systems and action plans | | Global temperature records | July 2025 was the third warmest July on record globally [6] |

[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2] [3] [Source 3] [4] [Source 4] [5] [Source 5] [6] [Source 6]

1. The ongoing heatwave in Europe and Asia not only poses a significant threat to public health but also highlights the urgent need for advancements in environmental science, particularly in devising strategies to mitigate climate change and reduce its impact on health-and-wellness.
2. As climate change exacerbates extreme heat events, it is crucial for societies to invest in science and technology, such as those in health-and-wellness and climate change, to develop early warning systems and implement appropriate interventions to lessen the number of heat-related deaths and promote a sustainable environment.

Read also: