Maricopa County, Arizona is experiencing an extreme heatwave, with over 400 suspected heat-related deaths this summer. August is on track to be the hottest on record, with daily temperatures reaching at least 110F. While the current death toll is slightly lower than last year, the county is still on track to be the deadliest place for heat in the U.S. due to factors such as the unhoused population, substance misuse, and the impacts of climate change. Despite efforts like cooling centers, the rise in deaths are a result of several factors in the region.
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Japan sees a new record high temperature of 41.2°C, and it’s a stark reminder of the changing climate. This isn’t just a number; it represents a significant shift in the weather patterns that Japan, and the world, have come to know. The implications are wide-ranging, and the situation is definitely something we need to pay attention to.
This blistering temperature, coupled with Japan’s already high humidity, creates a dangerous combination. When you factor in that humidity, the “feels like” temperature becomes far more brutal. Some people are saying that this can lead to “lethal wet bulb temperatures,” which are essentially the measures of how well a body can cool itself in the environment through sweating.… Continue reading
On Friday, June 18, 2025, Türkiye recorded a new all-time European temperature record when the southeastern province of Sirnak reached 50.5 degrees Celsius (122.9 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing the previous record of 48.8 degrees Celsius set in Sicily, Italy, in August 2021. Temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in 31 Turkish provinces, running 6-12 degrees above seasonal averages. This record is significant because Türkiye contains territory classified within the World Meteorological Organization’s European region. The WMO’s rigorous verification process ensures confidence in global temperature records, and officials warn that greater extremes may occur across Europe in the future.
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In response to a forecast heat wave, Greek authorities mandated work breaks for outdoor manual labor and food delivery services in specific regions, with temperatures expected to surpass 40 degrees Celsius. The labor ministry’s order dictates a work stoppage from midday to 5:00 p.m. The measures, primarily affecting central Greece and certain islands, aimed to protect workers from the extreme heat, while employers were encouraged to offer remote work. Despite the hot spell, no emergency actions were taken in Athens, and authorities continue to implement long-term climate change mitigation strategies, including increased firefighter deployments.
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Europe is enduring a relentless heatwave, prompting health warnings across numerous countries. Southern Spain is experiencing the most extreme temperatures, with El Granado recording a new June heat record of 46C. Italy and Portugal are grappling with a surge in heatstroke cases, particularly among vulnerable populations. The western Balkans are also significantly affected, with Serbia and Slovenia registering record-high temperatures for their respective recording periods.
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Waking up one day and deciding to visit a place like Death Valley in July seems like a recipe for disaster. The headline about the man who lost his skin after his flip-flops melted off in the scorching heat leaves me baffled. How could someone venture into such extreme conditions so ill-prepared? The thought of wearing flip-flops in a place like Death Valley where the temperature can reach up to 120 degrees is mind-boggling. It’s like willingly walking into a furnace and expecting not to get burned.
The sheer audacity of some individuals to underestimate the intensity of the heat in Death Valley is astounding.… Continue reading
I can’t wrap my head around the recent news of the third hiker dying in the Grand Canyon within the last three weeks. It’s truly heartbreaking to hear about these avoidable tragedies. The scorching heat in Arizona is no joke, with temperatures reaching over 120 degrees in the shade. Yet, somehow, people are still attempting to hike in these extreme conditions. It’s a recipe for disaster.
Imagine setting out on a hike in the Grand Canyon, feeling the unforgiving heat bearing down on you, with limited shade, and the sun beating relentlessly upon your back. It’s no wonder that the risk of heat-related illnesses is so high in this environment.… Continue reading
As I sit here in the scorching heat, I can’t help but feel a sense of alarm at the rising temperatures that are threatening millions across the United States. The fact that places like Phoenix are hitting record highs of 118 F is not just concerning, it’s downright terrifying. I remember a time when summers were bearable, when the nights were cool and refreshing, and now it feels like the heat is inescapable.
Reading about how people in Phoenix are running out of ice, how pools are turning into soup, and how working conditions are becoming unbearable due to the extreme heat, it’s clear that something needs to change.… Continue reading
The news of hundreds of Hajj pilgrims reported dead amid extraordinary heat is truly heartbreaking and raises some serious questions. The scorching temperatures in Mecca, reaching up to 120 degrees, are unbearable and dangerous, claiming the lives of many who traveled there for this sacred pilgrimage. It is difficult to comprehend why such a significant event is held during the hottest part of the year, putting the lives of participants at risk. The idea that only the registered pilgrims are being counted, and the numbers are likely to rise, is concerning and highlights the gravity of the situation.
The tragic reality is that some individuals only have the opportunity to make the journey to Mecca once in their lifetime, and to have it end in such a devastating way is truly heart-wrenching.… Continue reading
The news of Delhi hitting 50.5C, the hottest day on record, is truly terrifying. As someone who has experienced scorching heat in the past, I can attest to the vast difference between 100F and 122F. It’s unimaginable to endure such extreme temperatures, especially when coupled with the intense pollution levels in Delhi. My heart goes out to those who do not have access to air conditioning, as surviving anything over 50C with high humidity is simply not feasible for very long. The thought of millions facing potential mass casualties due to the unbearable heat is harrowing.
During a heatwave in Oregon, I experienced temperatures of 115º F, which was already unbearable.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood