UN Warns of Rising Heatwaves, Urges Global Preparedness

The United Nations’ weather and climate agency has said that the ongoing extreme heat is likely to increase further. The UN has advised the global community to be prepared to cope with and protect against this heatwave.

Clare Nullis, spokesperson for the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), said that it is generally very hot in the Northern Hemisphere during July.

However, she noted that experiencing such intense temperatures at the very start of summer is unusual. She described extreme heat as silent but deadly and warned that the damage it causes to human life could be as serious as other natural disasters like storms or heavy rain.

She explained that Western Europe is currently under the influence of high atmospheric pressure, which is trapping hot air coming from North Africa. This, she said, is directly affecting people's daily lives and health.

In the Mediterranean region, sea surface temperatures are rising significantly, further strengthening the heatwave on land. Cities are expected to feel the heat more strongly due to their concrete structures, which absorb less heat, and the lack of greenery.