What the study found
The study found rising heatwaves, droughts, and compound drought–heatwave (CDHW) events across Africa from 1979 to 2024. It also found that heatwave seasons have become longer, droughts have become more frequent and persistent, and CDHW activity has accelerated since the 2000s.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say CDHW events pose severe threats to ecosystems, agriculture, and human well-being, especially in climate-vulnerable regions such as Africa. The study suggests that the growing exposure to these compound climate extremes creates an urgent need for targeted adaptation strategies.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used long-term datasets from 1979 to 2024, including maximum land surface temperature and the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index, which measures drought based on precipitation and atmospheric water demand. They developed heatwave and drought indicators to examine patterns at continental, climatic, regional, and national scales across Africa.
What worked and what didn't
The analysis showed pronounced upward trends in both heatwaves and droughts. CDHW activity peaked in boreal spring and summer, and Eastern and Southern Africa were identified as the most affected regions. The abstract also states that drought primarily drives CDHW occurrence and intensity, while heatwaves govern event duration in arid and semi-arid zones.
What to keep in mind
The summary does not describe specific limitations or uncertainties beyond noting that earlier studies often examined droughts or heatwaves separately. The findings are based on Africa-wide analyses from 1979 to 2024 and may not capture details outside the indicators and scales used here.
Key points
- Heatwaves, droughts, and compound drought–heatwave events all increased across Africa from 1979 to 2024.
- Heatwave seasons lengthened, with delayed termination and longer exposure.
- Drought frequency and persistence intensified, and CDHW events accelerated since the 2000s.
- CDHW activity peaked in boreal spring and summer.
- Eastern and Southern Africa were the most affected regions in the study.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Africa’s heatwaves, droughts, and compound extremes have intensified
- Authors:
- Peng TIAN, Shenghao Wu, Yanyun Yan, Derong Xiao, Jialin Li, Yongchao Liu, Haitao Zhang, Chao Ying
- Institutions:
- Beijing Normal University, Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Queensland University of Technology, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou University
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-03
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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