Reuters Says Heatwaves Have Grown Into Planet-Sized 'Heat Storms'

When the Term "Heatwave" Is No Longer Enough

A Reuters investigation drawing on dozens of scientists argues that 'heatwave' no longer describes what is happening: episodes of extreme heat now last at least five days and cover more than 1% of Earth's surface. The planet averaged about five such events in the 1960s; today it averages 102 a year, and for 18 straight years at least one has been churning somewhere. Reporter Maurice Tamman, a 2025 Pulitzer winner, proposes calling them 'heat storms' and giving them names, as hurricanes get.