Future Europe

African cities adapt to extreme heat as 2024 sees record temperatures

Nexus Europa Newsroom
Posted Jun 25, 2026, 02:00 PM UTC · In the digest of 2026-06-25-1400
African cities adapt to extreme heat as 2024 sees record temperatures

African cities, especially in the Sahel, are adapting to extreme heat, with 2024 seeing record 40-50°C temperatures. These efforts could offer insights for other nations experiencing high temperatures.

Cities across Africa, particularly in the semi-arid Sahel region, are developing strategies to cope with increasingly intense heatwaves. While recognizing the necessity for adaptation to extreme conditions has been a gradual process, the March-May 2024 season saw record temperatures, with mercury levels fluctuating between 40°C and 50°C. These ongoing efforts in areas accustomed to extended droughts may provide valuable insights for nations like France, which has recently experienced its own periods of elevated temperatures. The focus is on implementing policies and infrastructure to lessen the impact of rising heat on urban populations.

Sources: Le Monde

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