B1364 words2:09News Report American AccentPublished Jun 22, 2026 · Updated Jul 10, 2026

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What You Need to Know About Heatwaves

Heatwaves have become more dangerous as the climate has changed in recent decades.

Doctors have called extreme heat a "silent killer" because it causes serious health risks for millions of people.

An estimated half a million people around the world die from heat-related causes every year.

This number is higher than the number of deaths caused by wars or terrorism each year.

However, heat is rarely listed as the official cause of death on medical records.

This is because extreme temperatures are mostly indirect killers that make existing illnesses worse.

Most victims of heatwaves die early from diseases of the heart, lungs, or kidneys, which are made worse by hot weather.

Doctor Maria Santos, a public health expert, has said that "many people do not realize how dangerous a heatwave can be for their health."

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Extreme heat puts great stress on the human body, especially on the heart and kidneys.

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These organs have to work much harder to keep the body cool when temperatures rise.

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The added strain can be fatal for people who already have chronic illnesses.

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There are also secondary dangers from heatwaves, which include dirtier air, larger wildfires, and more frequent power outages.

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All of these problems can put extra pressure on hospitals and health systems.

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Scientists have also warned that warm nights are a serious danger during a heatwave.

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When days are too hot and nights do not cool down enough, the body cannot rest and recover properly.

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This problem compounds the damage that is done during extremely hot days.

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In many European countries, meteorologists describe nights above 20 degrees Celsius as "tropical nights."

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These warm nights have become more common because of climate change.

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There are several protection measures that people can take to stay safe during a heatwave.

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Experts recommend drinking plenty of water, staying indoors during the hottest hours, and wearing light clothing.

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Professor James Liu, a climate researcher, has explained that "communities need better warning systems so that vulnerable people can be protected before a heatwave arrives."

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Governments around the world have been urged to invest in better heat action plans to reduce the danger of this growing threat.

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The ‘silent killer’: what you need to know about heatwaves

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