Projected extreme heatwaves: 2020-2052

Description

The increased incidence and intensity of heatwaves are expected to shift temperature-related mortality from winter to summer, with fewer colder-related deaths and more heat-related ones. In the long-term, the net total number of climate-related deaths is expected to increase for the period 2050–2100 (Ballester et al., 2011). Albania and FYR Macedonia are considered particularly exposed to heatwaves (UNEP/ENVSEC, 2012). In these countries, unprecedented heat extremes could occur in 60 per cent of summer months and droughts could increase by 20 per cent in a 4°C warmer world (World Bank, 2014).