Rescued weather records show hot days nearly doubled in the Congo Basin since the 1960s.

The research, led by Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), analyzed historical data from INERA archives and Belgian state files. This warming signal underscores a significant shift in regional climate patterns, likely driven by global greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation impacts.

Hot days have become nearly twice as common over the past two decades, indicating a clear trend towards more extreme heat events.

The long-term vulnerability of the Congo Basin to further warming could exacerbate ecological degradation, affecting biodiversity and local communities' livelihoods.

What is the long-term climate outlook for this region?

With temperatures expected to continue rising, the Congo Basin faces increased risks of heatwaves and associated health impacts. Local infrastructure may struggle to cope with these changes, necessitating urgent adaptation measures.

The outlook remains concerning without significant mitigation efforts.