Global marine heatwave (MHW) conditions continue to escalate, with around 40% of the ocean currently affected. Predictions for September 2023 estimate an increase to 50%, according to June 2023 forecast by NOAA’s Physical Sciences Laboratory.
On June 28, 2023, an intense heatwave responsible for at least 13 deaths spread across the Southeast US, extending the reach of official warnings about hazardous temperatures. This comes as California anticipates its first significant heatwave of the year, and Texas faces record-high power demand due to the extreme conditions.
A persistent and oppressive heat dome continues to produce dangerous heat and humidity across much of the U.S. South, breaking numerous all-time records in Texas.
In a severe heatwave that has hit the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, India, at least 96 people have reportedly died from heat-aggravated conditions. Intriguingly, over half of these deaths have occurred in a single district, Ballia, prompting an investigation.
Beijing experienced a record-breaking mid-June temperature of 39.4°C (103°F) on June 16, 2023, as reported by China’s meteorological authority, which has issued warnings for the public to stay indoors and avoid heatstroke.
The ongoing third heat wave in Mexico led to six fatalities and over 400 cases of heat-related illnesses, affecting 26 out of the 32 federal entities in the country.
Mexico and the Caribbean are experiencing the most intense heatwave in their recorded history. The Mexican Plateau is being seared by harsh dry heat, while the Caribbean contends with deadly humid temperatures. On June 12, 2023, the mercury soared above 45 °C (113 °F) in several areas, including regions of high altitude.
Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East are experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures soaring above 48 °C (118.4 °F) in regions such as Iraq, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.
The city of Shanghai in China has experienced its highest temperature in May for more than 100 years. On Monday, May 29, 2023, the mercury soared to 36.1 °C (97 °F), surpassing the previous record of 35.7 °C (96.3 °F) set in May 1876.
Unusually warm April temperatures engulfed the Iberian Peninsula over the past couple of days, breaking numerous high-temperature records and setting a new (preliminary) European hottest April day on record.
