Climate change due to harmful airwaves in West Africa probably more than ten times

The southern coastal region of West Africa - also called the Guinea region - experienced abnormal early season heat in February 2024.

The combination of high temperatures and relatively humid air has resulted in average heat index values for the region of around 50 degrees Celsius, which is classified as being at the “danger” level associated with a high risk of heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Locally, the values have reached the “extreme danger” level associated with high Risk of heatstroke, as values reach 60 degrees Celsius.

Humid heatwaves are known to be particularly dangerous, and while meteorological organizations in Ghana and Nigeria have issued warnings, media and government organizations across the Guinea region have reported few heat-related impacts.