extreme heat

New data indicates the current El Niño is the strongest ever measured, marking a major shift in global weather patterns. The development is drawing attention because a powerful El Niño typically brings droughts, floods and heat extremes to different regions worldwide, with scientists watching closely for effects on temperatures, agriculture and extreme weather in the months ahead.

New reporting highlights that the global heatwave season has quietly expanded by 39 days, with high-temperature periods now starting earlier in the year and ending later than they once did. The finding is being shared as fresh evidence of shifting climate patterns, prompting discussion about longer exposure to dangerous heat and the growing strain on health systems, infrastructure and summer planning.

Thousands of people took to the streets in cities across France to demand stronger climate action. Organisers and participants expressed disappointment at the turnout, with one marcher saying: 'I wish there were more of us, after the summer we've just had' — a reference to the recent season of heatwaves and extreme weather. Demonstrators are calling on the French government to accelerate emissions reductions and strengthen environmental policy.

Demonstrators gathered in Paris to demand stronger climate action following a record-breaking summer heatwave in France. Protesters called on the government to accelerate emissions cuts and better prepare cities for extreme heat. The rally reflects growing public pressure in France for faster climate policy after a summer of unprecedented temperatures.

A federal court has ruled that Texas must install air conditioning in its prisons by 2029. The decision addresses the extreme heat in the state's largely uncooled prison facilities, which has long drawn criticism from inmates' families, advocates and lawmakers over dangerous summer temperatures. The ruling sets a deadline for the Texas prison system to comply, making it one of the most significant heat-safety mandates for corrections in the United States.

Doctors are warning that people taking GLP-1 weight-loss and diabetes drugs such as Ozempic may face heightened health risks during the current heat wave. Concerns center on dehydration, as the medications can suppress thirst and appetite, potentially leaving users vulnerable to heat exhaustion and related complications. Patients are being advised to drink water regularly and take precautions in high temperatures as extreme heat persists across many regions.

The head of the UN Environment Programme says financing is the main obstacle to rolling out solutions that help communities cope with extreme heat. The warning comes as heatwaves intensify worldwide, with measures such as cooling systems, urban shading and early-warning plans available but underfunded. The comments underline growing pressure on governments and donors to direct more money toward climate adaptation.

Thousands of people marched in cities across France to demand stronger climate action, with demonstrators saying the country's recent extreme summer should have drawn bigger crowds. One participant told reporters they wished more people had turned out 'after the summer we've just had'. The protests reflect growing public frustration in France over heatwaves and slow government responses to the climate crisis.

The head of the UN Environment Programme says a lack of finance is the main obstacle to deploying solutions that help communities withstand extreme heat. The warning comes as heatwaves intensify worldwide, and it puts pressure on governments and lenders to fund adaptation measures such as cooling infrastructure and urban planning before the next severe heat season.

Scientists report the discovery of a so-called "fire amoeba", an organism said to survive at temperatures beyond what was thought to be life's upper limit. If confirmed, the find would force a rethink of the thermal boundaries of life on Earth, with implications for the search for life in extreme environments such as deep-sea vents and possibly other planets.

Climate rallies are being planned across France following a summer of record-breaking temperatures. Le Monde reports that demonstrations are being organised nationwide as campaigners seek to push the government for stronger climate action. The mobilisation follows months of extreme heat, with organisers and participants calling attention to the country's vulnerability to global warming.

Forecasters and news outlets are warning that another round of hot weather is on the way, with rising temperatures expected in the coming days. Coverage is urging residents to prepare for heat conditions, reflecting ongoing concern about repeated heat events this season and their impact on health, infrastructure and daily life.