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Heat-Related Deaths in Africa Severely Underreported, Study Reveals

11/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A recent analysis finds severe underreporting of heat-related deaths in Africa, with only two heatwaves recorded between 1900 and 2019, resulting in 71 deaths.
Europe recorded 83 heatwaves with over 140,000 deaths.
Africa has only 33 weather stations for about 1.5 billion people.
The data are limited, primarily covering wealthier regions.
A study suggests more people in sub-Saharan Africa die from cold than heat.

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Story summary

A recent analysis finds severe underreporting of heat-related deaths in Africa, with only two heatwaves recorded between 1900 and 2019, resulting in 71 deaths.
Europe recorded 83 heatwaves with over 140,000 deaths.
Africa has only 33 weather stations for about 1.5 billion people.
The data are limited, primarily covering wealthier regions.
A study suggests more people in sub-Saharan Africa die from cold than heat.