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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Liz Cookman

Heat stress intensifying across globe as UK swelters during heatwave: ‘Danger is increasing’

Researchers warn that dangerous heat is no longer confined to traditionally hot regions as rising temperatures leave millions without relief. - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

A billion more people are now exposed to dangerous levels of heat stress than they were in the 1970s, scientists have found, with Africa experiencing the highest frequency of “strong heat stress” days globally thanks to extreme temperatures.

The findings, published in Nature Climate Change, come as the UK and Europe endure an intense heatwave riven by a surge of hot, dry air originating from North Africa.

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