Record Heatwaves Impact Global South in 2026
Record Heatwaves Impact Global South in 2026
IN · Published Sep 29, 2026
• The summer of 2026 tied as the hottest on record globally, with August reaching 1.65°C above pre-industrial levels, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
• The Global South faced severe impacts, including extreme heatwaves in India and Pakistan during April and May, where temperatures exceeded 46°C (114.8°F).

Impact & Risks

The extreme heat has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, including outdoor workers, daily wage earners, and families in poorly insulated housing. In South Asia, agricultural drought spread across over one million square kilometers, straining food security. Power grids in India faced record electricity demand, while Southeast Asia grappled with water shortages and haze from forest fires. Migrant workers in Gulf states were exposed to dangerous working conditions without adequate heat protection. These events highlight the growing risks of climate change, particularly in regions with limited resources to adapt.

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