This summer marked a record for extreme heat across many countries, particularly in Western Europe, where five intense heat waves led to dry soils, severe wildfires, and dangerously low river levels that left fish without water. These conditions overwhelmed emergency services, and preliminary data suggest that at least 35,000 additional deaths occurred due to the first four heat waves in about half of the continent. The World Health Organization has called these events a "dress rehearsal" for even more extreme summers in the future. Two main factors are expected to drive global temperatures higher in the coming years: El Niño and human-caused climate change. El Niño is a natural climate pattern that occurs every two to seven years and contributes to global warming. It is currently in its early stages and is predicted to be the strongest in over a millennium. At the same time, the rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere—such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide—trap heat and continue to push global temperatures upward. A recent United Nations report warns that the world is almost certain to surpass the 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) warming threshold within the next few years. This will lead to more severe heat, prolonged droughts, and rising sea levels. Scientists predict that 2027 is very likely to be the hottest year ever recorded, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate change. Some countries have taken steps to reduce the number of heat-related deaths, such as implementing early warning systems, setting up cooling centers, and improving hospital readiness. France, for example, introduced a national plan after a deadly 2003 heat wave that killed 70,000 people. The plan included requirements for air-conditioned rooms in nursing homes and the creation of more green spaces in cities to help cool urban areas. However, scientists caution that current adaptation measures may not be enough, as heat waves are becoming more extreme and occurring outside of traditional summer months. Research indicates that the body can be at risk in temperatures as low as 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit) when combined with high humidity. The U.N. report also highlights that any warming beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius will have serious and potentially irreversible consequences, such as the loss of coral reefs and melting ice. While the report outlines possible ways to reduce global temperatures after a peak, it acknowledges that some damage may be permanent. Experts stress the importance of preparing for extreme heat by testing disaster scenarios and improving infrastructure. Without these measures, communities could face severe consequences, as seen in Portland, Oregon, during the 2021 heat dome. At that time, temperatures reached 116 degrees Fahrenheit, causing power outages and infrastructure failures, highlighting the need for better preparedness in the face of increasingly extreme weather.