heatwaves
Coverage of heatwaves in the Nexus archive.
- Why heatwaves hit women harder
Experts highlight that heatwaves disproportionately affect women and urge increased awareness and targeted protective measures to address heat-related risks.
- Mamdani’s AC warning revealed that NY’s power grid is in big trouble — and it’s a problem he helped cause
Mayor Zohran Mamdani's warning about New York's power grid highlights concerns that green-energy policies may compromise the city's ability to maintain comfort during heatwaves. The article suggests these policies could be contributing to grid instability.
- Why is France opposed to air conditioning?
France faces a long-standing debate over the use of air conditioning during heatwaves, as Europe experiences record-breaking temperatures. The article explores reasons behind France's opposition to the technology.
- US revokes waiver for Iranian oil sales amid renewed Gulf strikes
The US Treasury Department has ended the allowance of Iranian oil sales in US dollars after several tankers were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving over 60 million barrels stranded. A Chinese air conditioning factory is working to meet increased European demand driven by heatwaves.
- Are the US’ AI models better than China’s? That may be beside the point
A heatwave in Europe led to surging sales of Chinese-made air conditioners and fans, with Alibaba's Spanish fan sales nearly doubling and Midea's European air-conditioner sales rising over 70% in the first half of the year. The article questions the relevance of comparing US and Chinese AI models amid these developments.
- Ed Miliband's Net Zero agenda failed to stop electricity costs soaring five-fold during heatwaves, analysis shows, with potentially bigger price jumps on the way
Analysis shows Ed Miliband's Net Zero agenda failed to prevent electricity costs from increasing five-fold during heatwaves, with potential for larger price increases. The findings highlight concerns about energy policy effectiveness amid extreme weather.
- What in the World
The article discusses the dangers of heatwaves, noting that they can lead to heatstroke and dehydration.
- From ‘heat panic’ to ‘sacrificed at the altar’: Europe’s air conditioning culture wars heat up
Europe's air conditioning culture wars have intensified as record heatwaves spark political debates. In Germany, Mario, a 65-year-old retired handyman, installed an air conditioning unit after a 2021 heatwave, reflecting the 6% of German homes with fixed AC amid rising temperatures.
- Early heatwaves are devastating French agriculture and leaving farmers helpless
Early heatwaves are devastating French agriculture and leaving farmers helpless, as seen in Yannick Frain's salt meadow lamb pastures in Roz-sur-Couesnon, Brittany, on June 29, 2026.
- UN warns likelihood of ‘extreme weather events’ as El Nino set to intensify
The UN warns of increased likelihood of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall, as El Niño intensifies. The World Meteorological Organization attributes these forecasts to the strengthening El Niño phenomenon.
- Hot and bothered Europeans finally warm to air con
Experts state that humans can only comfortably survive within a narrow thermoneutral zone of 17-24°C. Climate change is causing dangerous heatwaves, making 12% of Earth's land uninhabitable, projected to rise to 45% by 2100. Europeans are increasingly adopting air conditioning as temperatures rise.
- Heat adds to strains on areas with data centers, raising the temperature on AI debates
A data center in Lowell, Massachusetts, is causing environmental and health concerns for nearby residents, particularly in the Sacred Heart neighborhood, as heatwaves increase electricity demand and strain local resources. The facility's reliance on diesel generators and cooling systems worsens air and water quality, highlighting tensions around the AI industry's environmental impact.
- Specieswatch: How heatwaves play havoc with bees’ fertility
A study found that extreme heat from heatwaves significantly reduces the fertility of red mason bees, which could negatively impact the pollination of food crops in subsequent years. The research simulated a UK heatwave in a lab setting to measure its effects on solitary bees compared to normal summer conditions.
- 'We should not accept that heatwaves cause thousands of deaths. That is not normal'
A news article challenges the normalization of heatwaves causing mass deaths, citing a home care worker's visit to an 81-year-old isolated patient in Pessac, France. The article highlights concerns about the increasing impact of extreme weather on vulnerable populations.
- 'Architecture, city design a frontline of defense' against heatwaves, expert says
An expert from the University of Cambridge highlights that architecture and city design are critical in combating heatwaves, which have caused over 1,300 excess deaths in Europe, according to the WHO.
- Healthcare in a heatwave: French hospitals and aged care homes bear the brunt of rising temperatures
French hospitals and aged care homes are struggling with the impact of prolonged heatwaves, as temperatures reach 40°C. Overburdened hospitals and overwhelmed mortuaries highlight the growing healthcare crisis linked to extreme weather.
- The AI boom is colliding with a new threat: severe weather
The AI boom is facing risks from heatwaves and severe weather, which are causing grid strain and increasing insurance and repair costs for AI data centers.
- Are we in for a summer of serial heatwaves?
Forecasters predict a warmer-than-average summer with an increased likelihood of heatwaves. Simon King explains the potential for a summer of serial heatwaves.
- New program protects New Jersey residents from summer utility shutoffs
New Jersey's Summer Termination Program protects eligible residents from electric, water, and sewer shutoffs between June 15 and August 31. The initiative aims to address rising utility costs and health risks during extreme heat, with state officials citing climate-driven heatwaves as a growing threat.
- FIRST AID: Biotech Act deal by Christmas?
The article discusses the possibility of a Biotech Act deal being finalized by Christmas, alongside topics such as heatwaves, tobacco, and preparedness.
- UK swelters in hottest June day on record
The UK recorded its highest June temperature on record at 36.1C in southern England, surpassing the 1976 record of 35.6C. This marks the second consecutive month of broken temperature records, with scientists linking the trend to climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather.
- POLL OF THE DAY: Should schools shut during heatwaves?
A poll is asking the public whether schools should close during heatwaves. The question centers on the impact of extreme heat on school operations.
- France's far-right RN banks on vague 'air conditioning plan' for heatwaves
France's far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party is leveraging a vague 'air conditioning plan' to address heatwaves. Marine Le Pen, RN's leader, was photographed at the Assemblée Nationale in Paris on June 9, 2026.
- Is THIS the key to tackling future heatwaves? Scientists propose controversial 'Weather Jiu-Jitsu' technique to combat extreme weather
Scientists propose a controversial technique called 'Weather Jiu-Jitsu' to combat extreme weather, specifically future heatwaves. The method is described as a potential key to addressing the growing challenge of extreme heat events.
- Wednesday briefing: How can the UK protect its landscape in an increasingly hot world?
The UK is experiencing unprecedented heatwaves, with temperatures expected to break June records, causing infrastructure strain and health risks. The Climate Change Committee warned that the UK's infrastructure is ill-suited for current climate conditions and highlighted policy shortcomings in achieving net zero. Political developments include meetings between Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham, and Nigel Farage dismissing scrutiny of a £5m crypto donation.
- Achieving net-zero carbon emissions can reduce the intensity, duration, and frequency of heat waves
Dr. Chloe Brimacombe analyzes the current European heatwave, highlighting its early arrival, elevated humidity, and alignment with broader trends of longer and more frequent heatwaves. The article emphasizes the need for decarbonization to achieve net-zero emissions and adaptation measures for public infrastructure in a hotter climate.
- Heatwaves could trigger BLACKOUTS this summer: Grid operator warns of a 600% surge in wildfires - leaving vital transmission lines at risk
Heatwaves could cause blackouts this summer as grid operators warn of a 600% increase in wildfires threatening vital transmission lines.
- How can France adapt to recurrent heatwaves?
France is experiencing a second consecutive heatwave in under a month, with half the country under red alert as temperatures reach 43°C in Bordeaux and 39°C in Paris. Méteo-France reports that two-thirds of the 51 recorded heatwaves since 1947 occurred after 2000, with half of those in the last 15 years.
- VOLTAGE: London or Brussels climate meet, and does it matter?
The article discusses a potential climate meeting in London or Brussels, focusing on topics such as network codes, heatwaves, and PFAS. It questions the significance of the meeting's location.
- Is air conditioning essential for coping with heatwaves? France might be changing its mind on the issue
France may be reconsidering whether air conditioning is essential for heatwaves. A salesperson demonstrated home air conditioning systems at a Castorama store in Bondues, France.
- Half of world’s children exposed to at least three climate hazards, Unicef says
Half of the world’s children are exposed to at least three overlapping climate hazards, including heatwaves, storms, floods, and droughts, according to a Unicef report. The report highlights that almost every child, including those in high-income countries, faces at least one climate hazard, threatening their health, education, and survival.
- Heatwaves and ozone together increase India’s cardiac deaths: study
A peer-reviewed study found that surface ozone levels in northern India during heatwaves reach 85-110 μg/m³, exceeding the WHO guideline of 70 μg/m³. In 2024, heatwaves were linked to approximately 830 additional cardiac deaths compared to non-heatwave days.
- Is this the key to preventing a Super El Niño? Scientists want to dim the SUN to shield the oceans from heatwaves
Scientists are proposing to dim the sun to prevent a Super El Niño by shielding oceans from heatwaves. The initiative aims to mitigate ocean heatwaves through this method.
- Africa: Health Emerges As a Strategic Frontline for Africa Ahead of Bonn Climate Conference
Africa contributes the least to global greenhouse gas emissions but faces severe climate-related health impacts, including increased infectious diseases, air pollution, and disruptions from extreme weather events like heatwaves, floods, and droughts. The continent's health systems are under growing pressure from these climate challenges.
- Get set for a painted lady summer: big year for orange butterflies in Britain
Painted lady butterflies are arriving in record numbers in Britain due to heatwaves and favorable winds, marking the largest migration in 17 years. Migrant insects have been spotted in large numbers along the east coast, with their rapid movement adding color to the summer.
- Indians can now bet on the monsoon
Indians can now bet on the monsoon, but the article suggests heatwaves may be more significant. The focus is on weather-related betting and its potential importance compared to monsoon predictions.
- UN tells world to brace for extreme weather as El Nino looms
The UN warns that extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves could intensify this year due to the looming El Niño phenomenon. The UN chief emphasized the potential for these impacts to 'hit even harder' in the coming year.
- 'Vitiforestry': French winemakers plant trees in bid to counter climate change
French winemakers are experimenting with 'vitiforestry'—planting trees alongside vines—to combat climate change. Trees help protect vines from spring frosts and provide shade during heatwaves, with many winemakers reporting positive results.
- Should we name heatwaves like we name hurricanes to help better prepare for them?
The article proposes naming heatwaves similarly to hurricanes to improve public preparedness. It references an example scenario in Nantes, France on May 25, 2026.
- Extreme heat in Europe ‘a brutal reminder’ of climate crisis, UN chief says
UN climate chief Simon Stiell warned that extreme heat in Europe, including record-breaking temperatures in France and the UK in May, is a 'brutal reminder' of the climate crisis driven by fossil fuel use. He emphasized that burning coal, oil, and gas is the primary cause of intensifying heatwaves.