Extreme heat
Assessed by an AI model against this signal's rubric. Describes conditions; not a forecast or advice.
NormalStableNo major heatwave warnings (1 Nov)
October heat records set earlier in the month; no major heatwave now
Why it's at this level
October brought record heat to southern China (39.5°C on 3 Oct) and the central US (13 Oct), but no major heatwave warnings covering large populations were found as of 1 Nov. The strong El Niño raises the risk of Southern Hemisphere heat this summer.
What this means for you
No major heat risk currently. Australia and southern Africa face elevated heat risk into their summer.
Why it matters
Heat is the deadliest weather hazard globally, straining power grids, crops and health systems.
What moves it
Heat domes, climate warming, season, humidity, urban heat islands.
Status at each of the last 2 checks
How it's rated
Alert
Deadly heatwave with top-tier official warnings across a large population.
Watch
Heatwave warnings across a major region, or national temperature records.
Normal
No major heatwaves affecting large populations.