As global temperatures continue to rise, 2025 is already shaping up to be another record-breaking year for heat across the planet. Based on satellite data, climate models, and global anomaly maps, here are the regions currently experiencing the most extreme heat:
1. Southern Europe
Countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece have faced prolonged heatwaves in early 2025, with surface temperatures exceeding 45°C (113°F) in several inland areas. Drought conditions have intensified, fueling fire risk and impacting agriculture.
Notable event: A 10-day heatwave in Andalusia in March reached temperature anomalies of +6°C above average.
2. Northern and Central Africa
The Sahel and surrounding regions are seeing dangerous heat levels, with several zones registering temperature anomalies above +3.5°C compared to the 1991–2020 baseline. The dry season has arrived earlier, and wildfires have intensified near savanna regions.
3. Southeast Asia
El Niño-driven drought is intensifying in Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Combined with urban heat island effects, major cities like Bangkok and Hanoi are experiencing daily heat index values over 50°C.
Warning: Increased wildfire detection (VIIRS/NASA FIRMS) has been noted in Myanmar and Cambodia.
4. Southwest United States and Mexico
States like Arizona, Texas, and parts of northern Mexico are undergoing their earliest-ever pre-summer heat surges, with temperatures already reaching 40°C in April. Energy demand has surged, and early fire season alerts are active.
Global Heat Map Overview
According to ECMWF and NASA GISS, the global average surface temperature for Q1 2025 is +1.38°C above the pre-industrial average — one of the hottest starts to any year on record.
What’s Next?
Projections show that June–August 2025 could bring even more intense extremes, especially across the Northern Hemisphere. Monitoring temperature anomalies and real-time heat alerts is crucial to understanding and preparing for these patterns.