World’s Major Cities Experience 25% Jump in Extremely Hot Days Since the 1990s

World’s Major Cities Experience 25% Jump in Extremely Hot Days Since the 1990s
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According to an analysis by The Guardian, the world’s most populous capital cities are now grappling with 25% more extremely hot days each year than they did in the 1990s. Analysts warn that without urgent measures to protect millions of residents, more people will suffer from dangerous, escalating temperatures.

The assessment, conducted by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), analyzed temperature data for 43 of the world’s largest capitals. The study found the total number of days exceeding 35∘C (95∘F) across these cities rose from an average of 1,062 per year during the 1994–2003 period to 1,335 per year between 2015 and 2024.

The rise in extreme heat was observed globally, with the average number of days above 35∘C doubling in major capitals such as Rome and Beijing, and tripling in Manila. Furthermore, Madrid now averages 47 days per year over 35∘C, up from 25 previously, while in the relatively cooler climate of London, the number of days exceeding 30∘C has doubled. Researchers stress that global heating, primarily caused by fossil fuel burning, is making every heatwave more likely and more intense, likely contributing to the premature deaths of millions over the past three decades, disproportionately affecting elderly and poor people in rapidly growing urban centers.

IIED researcher Anna Walnycki commented that failing to adapt will “condemn millions of city dwellers to increasingly uncomfortable and even dangerous conditions because of the urban heat island effect.” Experts state that reducing this risk requires immediate funding to improve building insulation, develop city-wide heat action plans, and increase shade cover.