Will parts of the world become unliveable?published at 15:02 British Summer Time 18 July 2023

15:02 BST 18 July 2023

Justin Rowlatt
BBC Climate editor

Sam Gibbions asks: Are we going to have climate refugees in the future, with people who simply cannot live with extreme weather conditions, migrating to cooler areas?

Singling out the role of climate change in migration is not straightforward.

Lots of migrants say they have left their homes because of conflict, for example. But what is driving that conflict?

In East Africa, climate change has been an important factor in driving long-term drought and reducing the area of fertile land. That, in turn, has exacerbated long-term rivalries between different ethnic and religious groups.

So, are people moving because of the violence, or because of climate change?

The United Nations acknowledges that climate change already plays a role in many people’s decision to leave their home.

Individual extreme weather events can drive people away from an area if their homes, or local infrastructure, is destroyed – we saw that last year with the Pakistani floods.

Human tolerance for high heat begins to fail at above 50 degrees, external as the human body can no longer transfer heat from our body to the environment.

There are only a few recorded cases of this temperature globally, although in May last year India experienced temperatures of 50 degrees in some areas.

For more on this, watch the documentary 'Life at 50°C' on BBC iPlayer.

How likely are wildfires in the Canary Islands?published at 14:46 British Summer Time 18 July 2023

14:46 BST 18 July 2023

Simon King
BBC weather presenter and meteorologist

Siôn Jones asks: I’m due to go to Gran Canaria tomorrow and forecasts suggest temperatures will be in the high 20s, but a nearby island is on fire. How accurate are weather apps and should I try to reschedule?

The forecast for Gran Canaria is for hot weather to continue over the next couple of weeks, with temperatures remaining in the high 20s.

It also worth noting that it will be quite windy.

Wildfires have broken out on the island of La Palma recently - with firefighters struggling to get them under control - thanks to a combination of the heat, dry conditions and strong winds,

But whether Gran Caneria will have wildfires in the coming weeks is difficult to say. While conditions may be conducive to wildfires, the fires themselves are sporadic and can start in a number of different ways, which makes them inherently difficult to predict.

What should I do to avoid the health impacts of the heat?published at 14:39 British Summer Time 18 July 2023

14:39 BST 18 July 2023

Dr Raquel Nunes
Environmental change and public health expert

Some people have been wondering about how best to avoid getting heat exhaustion or heat stroke, so let's take a look at what you can do:

The impact of extreme heat on an individual's health is preventable and avoidable if action is taken to reduce the most prominent health risks.

Heatwave plans consider three key messages and corresponding actions to reduce the health risks.

The advice for individuals includes:

• staying out of the heat, cooling yourself and keeping your indoor environment cool
• staying indoors during the hottest hours of the day
• walking in the shade and wearing light clothing when outside
• drinking cool water, eating cold food and having a cold shower
• closing windows and blinds, or curtains, during the day

Is the current heat due to El Niño?published at 14:30 British Summer Time 18 July 2023

14:30 BST 18 July 2023

Simon King
BBC weather presenter and meteorologist

Max Minderhout asks: To what extent do we attribute the current state of the world to climate change, el Niño or both? Is this the new normal - or a perfect storm?

El Niño is the natural climatic pattern that brings an increase in sea surface temperature to the eastern Pacific.

US forecasters have announced that we are now in El Nino conditions.

This will affect weather systems around the world and ultimately, with the extra heat in the Pacific, raise global average temperature.

However, El Niño has only just started and we would therefore expect the warming associated with it to come later this year and in 2024. As such, the current heatwave can’t be attributed to it.

High temperatures in southern Europe, North America and parts of Asia over the summer are normal.

However, the number of heatwaves occurring across the northern hemisphere at the moment, their size and how sustained they are, is more unusual.

Scientists believe heatwaves will become more frequent, intense and last for longer with climate change.

It is something people will need to adapt to more readily in the future.

Kevin Peachey
Cost of living correspondent

For those of you searching for advice over whether to travel to a hot country if you have a medical condition, here's what we've found out:

Some people may be more vulnerable in the extreme heat if they have certain medical conditions.

In these circumstances, there may be some limited opportunities to cancel holiday plans if it is covered under your travel insurance policy.

"You might be able to make a cancellation claim on this basis, but it would help your case to have a medical professional's opinion about your fitness to travel," says Rory Boland, from consumer group Which?.

It is also worth contacting your holiday provider if you are concerned.

Are we heading towards a climate tipping point?published at 14:17 British Summer Time 18 July 2023

14:17 BST 18 July 2023

Justin Rowlatt
BBC Climate editor

Phillip Woodin asks: We are still increasing our output of CO2, so how far off is the tipping point?

A climate tipping point is a point at which a small change in warming could have a significant and potential irreversible impact on some of the Earth’s natural systems.

Once a critical point is crossed - or tipped over - the breakdown of the system is self-sustaining, so will continue even if there is no further warming.

Scientists believe there could be a whole series of tipping points within the Earth’s climate system.

The melting of Arctic ice is a good example.

Ice, with its white surface, is very good at reflecting heat back into the atmosphere. As climate change reduces ice cover it exposes more dark sea water, which absorbs more heat.

The warmer sea means the ice is more prone to melt – and the cycle continues.

At the moment, the scientific consensus is that no key tipping points have been passed yet, but recent research shows, at current warming rates, we are likely to cross six tipping points.

If you want to know more about the risks of the various climate tipping points check out my Radio 4 series The Climate Tipping Points on BBC Sounds.

How long will it take the jet stream to change course?published at 14:11 British Summer Time 18 July 2023

14:11 BST 18 July 2023

Simon King
BBC weather presenter and meteorologist

Liz Elliot asks: How long could it take the jet stream to change its current course?

The jet stream is a wind around 30-40,000 ft high (9-12,000m) in the atmosphere, which normally meanders from North America, over the Atlantic, to Europe.

It divides cooler air to the north and warmer air to the south. It is also responsible for creating weather systems, such as areas of low pressure that can bring rain and strong winds.

The atmosphere behaves like a fluid, so you can imagine the jet stream like water travelling down a river - it is changing all the time.

However, the jet stream has been stuck in roughly the same place across Europe, bringing the cool and wet weather to the north and the heatwave to the south.

There is no sign of the jet stream significantly changing in the coming days and weeks, so we’ll continue to see the same weather conditions.

However, there’s a possibility it might shift northward to the UK by the middle of August.

This is still a long way off in terms of forecasting - but you can keep an eye on our monthly outlook for more information.

Should I travel with a young baby?published at 14:06 British Summer Time 18 July 2023

14:06 BST 18 July 2023

Dr Raquel Nunes
Environmental change and public health expert

Katrin Kohoutek asks: Should I go on holiday in the Tuscany region in early August? I have a 10-month-old baby and fear that the temperatures might be too high for her health.

Extreme temperatures pose significant risks to human health and wellbeing.

The individuals and groups in society that are most vulnerable include babies, children, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, older adults and those living on low incomes.

Despite this, it is important to acknowledge that a range of other factors contribute to possible impact.

As you are doing, it's crucial to prioritise health and wellbeing.

It’s also important to keep informed about heat advice and guidance. You can read more about this here, external.

My advice is for you to discuss your concerns with a healthcare professional, who can provide personalised advice based on your baby's health history and specific needs.

What are my rights if I want to cancel my holiday?published at 13:58 British Summer Time 18 July 2023

13:58 BST 18 July 2023

Kevin Peachey
Cost of living correspondent

A lot of you are wondering about cancelling forthcoming holidays given the extended extreme heat.

Here's what you need to know:

The extreme heat might be putting you off the idea of an imminent holiday in southern Europe.

However, your rights to cancel are very limited.

Experts point out that weather is an extraordinary circumstance outside of the control of an airline, holiday company or insurance provider.

Should the Foreign Office change its advice and state that people should not travel to certain areas, then that would open the door to refunds or potential re-arrangement of holiday plans.

What is the impact of climate extremes on food?published at 13:53 British Summer Time 18 July 2023

13:53 BST 18 July 2023

Justin Rowlatt
BBC Climate editor

Kathryn Nicholas asks: We are rightly concerned about the impact of the heat on the people, but what about crops, their harvest and their distribution - and wildlife?

That’s a crucial question. Climate change is bringing more extreme weather events – longer heatwaves, more intense rainstorms.

Both can have disastrous effects on agriculture.

Currently, there is a worldwide push to develop heat, drought and flood-resistant crops which can handle these new extremes - but often that extra resilience comes at a cost, in terms of yield.

Sustaining agricultural productivity will be a real challenge for us all as climate change continues to reshape our world.

How is this heatwave distinct from typical summer heat?published at 13:49 British Summer Time 18 July 2023

13:49 BST 18 July 2023

Simon King
BBC weather presenter and meteorologist

Alasdair Dunne asks: This is being called a heatwave, but how is it different from regular summer temperatures?

We shouldn’t confuse the current heatwaves across the northern hemisphere with "just summer".

Yes, temperatures into the 40s are possible during the summertime in certain locations, but the current situation is far more widespread and serious.

The heat across southern Europe, North America, North Africa and parts of Asia is setting all sorts of local and national records - not only for the maximum temperatures observed, but also for how long the heat has lasted.

In Phoenix, Arizona, the temperature on Monday rose above 43C (110F) for the eighteenth consecutive day, equalling the record set in 1974.

Not only will this record likely be broken on Tuesday, but temperatures above 43C are forecast to continue throughout next week.

Sustained intense heat by day, and by night, is dangerous and can have significant health impacts, even to normally healthy people.

Will Europe's heatwave reach UK?published at 13:45 British Summer Time 18 July 2023

13:45 BST 18 July 2023

Simon King
BBC weather presenter and meteorologist

Stella Sanchez asks: Is this heat wave in Europe going to affect the UK soon?

The quick and simple answer is: no.

Weather patterns across Europe over the next week to 10 days doesn't show much change to what we've currently got.

The jet steam - a fast wind high in the atmosphere - almost cuts Europe in half.

Those sitting to the north of the jet stream have the cooler, Arctic air with weather systems coming in from the Atlantic bringing rain at times. To the south, the air is hotter coming up from Africa.

The longer term weather models show this jet stream moving further north into August which could bring the UK higher temperatures but not an intense heatwave like they are experiencing in southern Europe.

Is this El Niño? Should I cancel my holiday?published at 13:42 British Summer Time 18 July 2023

13:42 BST 18 July 2023

Our experts will shortly be answering some of your questions - thanks for sending them in.

We've put your queries to our panel, including climate editor Justin Rowlatt, cost of living correspondent Kevin Peachey, BBC Weather meteorologist Simon King and public health expert Dr Raquel Nunes from the University of Warwick.

Stick with us to hear their answers, and if you have any further questions which you would like to share - let us know here.

Azadeh Moshiri
Reporting from Greece

Our team has just reached Kouvaras, south-east of Athens, where a fire has torn through the area. We’re witnessing the aftermath.

Here, many were forced to leave their homes behind. The priority was outrunning the flames.

Athens has put a lot of effort into lowering their temperatures.

They've built more bike routes and more green spaces aimed at reducing pollution. But despite that, the mainland is burning once again.

We’re used to countries giving names to their hurricanes. Here in Greece and wider Europe, heatwaves have had such a detrimental impact, that there are unofficial names for their heatwaves as well.

This one is called Cerberus. It’s named after Greek mythology's three-headed dog guarding the entrance to the underworld.

No matter how committed the country has been to avoiding these disasters, it can’t escape Cerberus's wrath.

Wildfires are consuming vast areas of land across Europe, as firefighters struggle to contain the blazes.

Homes are being destroyed and people are being forced to evacuate to escape the infernos.

More now from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), whose representatives have been talking to reporters in Geneva this morning.

"These events will continue to grow in intensity and the world needs to prepare for more intense heatwaves," said John Nairn, senior extreme heat advisor at the UN agency.

Nairn said the number of drawn-out and simultaneous heatwaves in the northern hemisphere had grown six-fold since the 1980s.

"This trend shows no signs of decreasing. So we're in for a bit of a ride, I'm afraid," he said, cautioning that ongoing heatwaves "will have quite serious impacts on human health and livelihoods".

Michelle Roberts
Health editor, BBC News online

• Wear light, airy clothing. Natural fabrics like linen and cotton which allow air to circulate are ideal. These can also absorb sweat and moisture, helping you to cool down
• Use sunscreen to protect your skin, and seek out shade when and where you can – take advantage of places with air-conditioning
• Carrying a handheld fan and a water spray can provide some relief from the heat; drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated
• Be sensible about the activities you choose to do. A big, exposed hike to visit a tourist landmark might be ill-advised. Limit physical exertion and listen to your body.

Michelle Roberts
Health editor, BBC News online

Signs of heat exhaustion include feeling faint or dizzy, excessive sweating and muscle cramps.

Heat exhaustion does not usually need emergency medical treatment, providing you can cool down, ideally within half an hour.

If it develops into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency. It means your body can no longer manage the heat and your core temperature is rising too high. Seek urgent medical help.

The signs to watch for and quickly act on are:

• feeling unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place and drinking plenty of water
• not sweating, even while feeling too hot
• an internal temperature of 40C or above
• fast breathing or shortness of breath
• feeling confused
• a fit (seizure)
• loss of consciousness
• becoming unresponsive

You can find more information on the signs of heat exhaustion and what to do in this piece.

Michelle Roberts
Health editor, BBC News online

Heat exhaustion occurs when your body becomes too hot and struggles to regulate your core temperature.

It can affect anyone, including fit and healthy people - especially if they are doing strenuous exercise in high temperatures or have been drinking alcohol in the sun.

Heat exhaustion can come on very quickly, over a matter of minutes, or gradually, over a few hours. The symptoms you feel are your body's way of warning you to cool down, fast.

Image source, Reuters

Heatwaves rarely receive the same coverage as other climate catastrophes, such as earthquakes or floods, because the death toll and destruction is not immediately obvious. However, they remain one of the deadliest natural hazards.

One study found that 61,000 people died in the heatwave across Europe last year alone, while some 166,000 people died due to heatwaves between 1998 and 2017, according to the United Nations, external.