As well as China having the worst heatwave in world history, many other places around the globe have smashed records for extreme heat
Environment | Analysis 8 September 2025
By Michael Le Page
The heatwave in China contributed to drought and low water levels in the Yangtze river
Ren Yong/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
This year, China has endured by far the worst heatwave ever recorded. Many other parts of the world have also seen extreme heat, with numerous records smashed and devastating consequences including many deaths. We have long been warned that ever more extreme heatwaves will occur as the planet heats up, but some events this year far exceeded predictions. So what is going on?
This year began with heatwaves in many parts of the southern hemisphere. …
