World meteorologists point to ‘vicious cycle’ of heatwaves and air pollution

Damage cause by wildfires in Maui. Smoke from wildfires can contain ‘a witch’s brew of chemicals’ that damages plants, ecosystems and crops. Photograph: Us Army/Reuters

Heatwaves across the world are worsening air quality and pollution, scientists have said.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has said extreme temperatures are not the only hazard from heatwaves but that they also cause pollution-related health problems.