Extreme heatwaves are becoming the "new normal".

A number of countries in Asia and Europe are experiencing unusually hot weather, with temperatures far exceeding multi-year averages.

Climate experts warn that the world could enter a period of extreme heat, considered the "new normal," if timely response measures are not taken.

People commute in record-breaking heat in London, England. Photo: Reuters

The latest development regarding this extreme weather event is that French authorities confirmed on May 27th that at least seven people have died during the heatwave sweeping across the country. According to French Energy Minister Maud Bregeon, the majority of deaths were due to heatstroke leading to drowning as people sought relief in rivers, lakes, and beaches amidst soaring temperatures. The French meteorological agency also stated that many western regions are under an orange alert due to temperatures potentially reaching 36 degrees Celsius. Therefore, the French government has requested local authorities to implement measures to protect people during sporting events and outdoor activities.

In Spain, Italy, and Portugal, temperatures in many areas exceeded 40 degrees Celsius even before summer began. In Germany, temperatures surpassed 30 degrees Celsius for the first time in 2026, an unusually high figure for the country in decades. Many areas of Asia are also struggling with extreme heat. India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have repeatedly recorded temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius for several consecutive days. Some major cities have been forced to close schools, restrict outdoor activities, and issue emergency health warnings.

In China, many northern and central provinces are also experiencing significantly higher-than-average temperatures. Meteorological experts warn that the summer of 2026 could see more extreme weather events than usual. Meanwhile, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) forecasts that this summer will be hotter and more humid than normal, with "sauna-like" heat waves accompanied by heavy rainfall.

According to scientists, the appearance of heatwaves as early as May 2026 indicates a clear shift in global climate trends. Previously, extreme heatwaves were concentrated in July or August, but now they are occurring earlier. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) also states that recent global average temperatures have been continuously setting new records. 2025 is identified as the hottest year on record, while 2026 is predicted to remain among the hottest on record.

According to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the biggest cause of extreme weather is climate change due to greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. The use of fossil fuels over decades has led to a sharp increase in atmospheric CO2 levels, causing the Earth to retain more heat. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) believes that the recent prolonged El Niño phenomenon has also contributed to the rapid increase in global temperatures. El Niño causes unusually warm sea temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, leading to significant fluctuations in temperature and rainfall globally.

Alarmingly, analyses suggest that extreme heatwaves are no longer isolated incidents but are becoming the "new normal" in many areas. Heatwaves are not only hotter but also longer-lasting and more frequent. The impact of extreme heat on public health is also becoming increasingly serious. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that the elderly, young children, and outdoor workers are the most vulnerable groups; while heatstroke, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and cardiovascular diseases will increase sharply during prolonged periods of high temperatures.

Beyond affecting people, extreme heat also puts significant pressure on infrastructure and the economy. The surge in electricity demand due to air conditioning use has led many countries to face the risk of power shortages, impacting economic development. In India, extreme heat in May 2026 caused electricity demand to exceed 270 Gigawatts (GW) for the first time. Prolonged droughts and high temperatures continue to threaten agricultural production and drinking water resources.

Many countries are promoting climate adaptation plans such as expanding urban green spaces, building early warning systems, upgrading heat-relief infrastructure, and accelerating the transition to clean energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, the pace of implementation in many places is still slow compared to climate change.

The record-breaking heatwave in May, which occurred in several countries around the world, especially in Asia and Europe, serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the need for nations to promptly implement measures to adapt to climate change and enhance urban resilience, preventing extreme heat from becoming the "new normal" and causing severe economic and human losses.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/nguy-co-nang-nong-cuc-doan-thanh-binh-thuong-moi-972268.html