GENEVA — Public health and weather authorities urged people on Monday to prepare for periods of extreme heat and sudden storms, advising residents to follow official forecasts, stay hydrated and take precautions to reduce health risks as many regions enter the peak of the Northern Hemisphere summer.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have warned in recent weeks that prolonged heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, while severe thunderstorms can develop alongside hot weather, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, hail and localized flooding. Authorities said early warnings and public preparedness remain critical to reducing illness, injuries and disruptions.
WHO said older adults, infants, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions, outdoor workers and others with limited access to cooling are among those most vulnerable to heat-related illness. The agency recommends drinking water regularly, avoiding strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day, seeking shade or air-conditioned spaces where available, and checking on neighbors, relatives and others at greater risk.
Health officials also advised people to keep homes as cool as possible by closing curtains or blinds during the day and ventilating buildings when temperatures fall at night. They cautioned against leaving children or pets inside parked vehicles and encouraged people to recognize symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which require prompt medical attention.
Meteorological agencies said heatwaves can also increase the likelihood of localized severe weather as unstable atmospheric conditions develop. Residents were encouraged to monitor official forecasts, secure outdoor furniture and loose objects before storms, avoid sheltering beneath isolated trees during lightning, and refrain from driving through flooded roads where water depth may be difficult to judge.
WHO officials said preparedness plans are most effective when they combine weather forecasting, public health messaging, early warning systems and coordinated action by local authorities. The organization has recently expanded guidance for governments and event organizers on managing heat risks, particularly during large public gatherings where prolonged outdoor exposure can increase health hazards.
Climate experts say rising global temperatures are increasing the frequency and duration of extreme heat events, making preparedness measures increasingly important for communities. WMO has emphasized that timely forecasts and impact-based warning systems can help authorities and the public reduce risks from both heatwaves and associated severe weather.
Authorities said the public should continue monitoring official weather advisories and follow guidance issued by national and local emergency management agencies as conditions evolve.
