What’s behind this summer’s heat, and why 2027 could be worse

This summer has been a scorching one for much of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in Europe where June and July marked the hottest two-month stretch on record since beginning records. The United States also endured its hottest month ever in July, while South Korea saw its highest-ever recorded temperature. However, the heat wave is far from over, and some scientists are already looking ahead to 2027.

Experts attribute the current heat wave to the latest El Niño event, which is expected to significantly impact next year's temperatures more than this year's. While El Niño does not directly add energy to the climate system, it releases heat that has been stored in the oceans and atmosphere, leading to intense weather patterns and altered rainfall across the globe.

Europe has been hit especially hard, with the continent's warming rate being the fastest in the world. A study found that a heat wave in May would have been about 3.5°C cooler in 1976, compared to today's conditions. The United States has also been affected, breaking a record set during the Dust Bowl era in July 1936.

Looking ahead to 2027, the ongoing El Niño event could result in even more extreme temperatures. This particular El Niño is expected to peak at over 3.5°C above average, potentially becoming the strongest on record. The rapid onset of this El Niño, combined with the long-term trend of rising temperatures due to climate change, could lead to brutal results.

To prepare for the impending heat waves, individuals can take immediate actions such as installing air conditioners, solar panels, and backup batteries, or upgrading home insulation. In the longer term, addressing climate change by transitioning to renewable energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels is crucial. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for urgent climate action to mitigate the effects of global warming.