Global Heatwave Alert Issued as July 2025 Ranks Among Hottest on Record
The World Meteorological Centre (WMC) in Beijing has issued a global heatwave alert for several regions — including Pakistan — with extreme temperatures expected to begin next week.
This warning follows data from European climate experts confirming that July 2025 was the third-hottest July ever recorded, continuing a troubling pattern of rising global temperatures in recent years.
“While the streak of record-breaking months has ended, it does not mean climate change is slowing down,” said Carlo Buontempo, Director of the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. “We continue to witness the serious impacts of a warming planet — from heatwaves to floods.”
Extreme Weather Events in July
The past month saw severe flooding across Pakistan, India, and China, while wildfires affected areas in Canada, Greece, and Scotland. Several countries in Asia and Scandinavia recorded all-time high average temperatures for July.
Upcoming Heatwave Forecast
According to the WMC, many parts of the world — including southern Pakistan, West Asia, southern Central Asia, North Africa, and the southwestern United States — have experienced temperatures above 38°C over the past week. In regions like southern Pakistan, eastern Iraq, and southwestern Iran, temperatures have soared above 45°C, with local readings exceeding 50°C in some cases.
The WMC warns that a persistent high-pressure system will likely extend these extreme conditions into the coming weeks.
Forecasted Hotspots:
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Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria
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Iran (west and south)
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Southwestern USA
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Western Algeria
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Northern Mauritania
These areas could see peak temperatures of 45°C or higher, while most affected regions will experience highs between 38°C and 40°C.
Ocean Warming and Melting Ice Raise Alarm
July 2025 was also marked by record-breaking sea surface temperatures, especially in the Norwegian Sea, North Sea, and North Atlantic Ocean. Warmer oceans not only signal environmental stress but also fuel more intense storms and extreme weather globally.
Meanwhile, Arctic sea ice levels were 10% below average, making this the second-lowest July coverage in 47 years of satellite records. In the Southern Hemisphere, Antarctic sea ice also reached its third-lowest July extent on record.
Scientists emphasize that as sea ice melts, darker ocean surfaces absorb more heat, accelerating global warming. With 90% of excess heat from global warming absorbed by oceans, rising ocean temperatures are expected to intensify future weather extremes.
Record-Breaking Heat Across Asia
At least 11 countries, including China, Japan, North Korea, Bhutan, Brunei, Tajikistan, and Malaysia, recorded their hottest July in over 50 years, underlining the widespread nature of the warming trend.
Stay Informed & Safe
With Pakistan’s monsoon season expected to last through September, the combination of flooding and extreme heat poses ongoing risks. Authorities urge the public to stay updated with official weather alerts and take necessary precautions to protect their health and safety.
