Africa’s Scorching Cities 

Across Africa, cities are grappling with extreme heatwaves that threaten public health, infrastructure, and livelihoods. From the deserts of the Sahara to the arid Sahel, urban centres are experiencing record-breaking temperatures, often 5–10°C above their usual seasonal averages, highlighting the urgent need for climate resilience.  

Key Heat Events in 2025 

• Ouargla, Algeria: May 14 – severe dust storm; June 2 – 45.2°C (+8°C above June average 37°C). 

• Aswan, Egypt: June 15 – 43.8°C (+4.8°C above June average 39°C). 

• Agadez, Niger: June 20 – 39.1°C (+5°C above June average 34°C). 

• Kenya (Sept–Oct): 

• Mandera: Sept 16 – 38.6°C; Oct 9 – 38.3°C (+4–5°C above average 34°C) 

• Mombasa: 29–30°C (+2°C above seasonal average) 

Key Trends and Developments Before 2025 

Several other African countries including Burundi, Comoros, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Mayotte, Rwanda, and São Tomé and Príncipe, experienced more than 90 days hotter than 90% of days between 1991 and 2020, with temperature anomalies reaching +3–6°C above typical seasonal averages. Africa accounted for 14 of the 67 extreme global heat events, impacting 42 of 54 countries. 

In February 2025, South Sudan faced another extreme heatwave, leading to the closure of all schools for two weeks after numerous students collapsed from heatstroke. The country has now closed schools during heatwaves for two consecutive years. 

In late December 2024, West and Central Africa experienced a severe heatwave from December 14 to 30. This event was at least 15 times more likely due to human-induced climate change.  

This underscores a stark reality: every degree of warming exposes more Africans to life-threatening heat, placing immense pressure on health systems, food security, water resources, and infrastructure. 

Polar Change link 

Melting polar ice sheets release vast amounts of freshwater into the oceans, weakening the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). This disruption alters global heat distribution and shifts the Intertropical Convergence Zone (a narrow band of heavy precipitation in the tropics), exacerbating heat and drought conditions across parts of Africa. Meanwhile, rising ocean temperatures in the Southern Ocean, intensify the northward transfer of heat through both oceanic and atmospheric pathways, leading to more frequent and severe heatwaves on the continent. 

Health and Socioeconomic Implications 

• Public Health: Increased heatstroke, dehydration, and heat-related illnesses strain healthcare systems. 

• Agriculture: Crops and livestock suffer from prolonged heat and dry spells, threatening food security. 

• Water Scarcity: Reduced rainfall and increased evaporation worsen water shortages. 

• Economic Strain: Heat-induced losses in agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure destabilize local economies. 

Urgent Response Needed 

• Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Heat-resistant buildings, efficient cooling systems, and sustainable urban planning. 

• Water Management Strategies: Rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation, and wastewater recycling to mitigate scarcity. 

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating communities about heat risks to reduce health incidents. 

• International Collaboration: Funding and global climate agreements to support adaptation efforts. 

Adaptation alone cannot protect communities indefinitely. To prevent extreme heat events from worsening, the world must urgently reduce fossil fuel emissions while supporting the countries most affected. 

Read more about extreme weather here. 

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