These Cities Could See 100 Days of Extreme Heat by 2050

Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Phoenix is already infamous for its blistering summers, but experts warn the city’s heat waves are only getting started. By 2050, Phoenix could see 100 or more days each year with temperatures soaring above 100°F (38°C). That’s more than three months of relentless, oven-like heat. The city’s rapid growth, combined with sprawling concrete and asphalt, creates a “heat island” effect, trapping warmth day and night. People living in Phoenix may soon find it nearly impossible to enjoy outdoor activities or even run simple errands without risking heat exhaustion. Vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and children, face the greatest dangers. Air conditioning will become not just a luxury, but a matter of survival. The city will need to rethink everything from urban planning to emergency services to keep residents safe.

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Las Vegas is known for its dazzling lights and non-stop entertainment, but the real headline may soon be its epic heat. Forecasts suggest Las Vegas could endure over 100 days of extreme temperatures above 100°F by 2050. The city’s desert location already makes it one of America’s hottest spots, but climate change is turning the heat up to new, dangerous levels. Tourists may flock for the dry heat, but locals will face water shortages, increased power demand, and health risks. With little shade and endless pavement, the city’s famous Strip could become an oven, making outdoor events nearly impossible in summer. Nighttime temperatures are also creeping up, giving residents little relief. The future of Las Vegas might depend on how quickly it can adapt to this scorching new normal.

Houston, Texas, USA

Houston sits in the heart of the American South, where humidity and heat already make summers tough. By 2050, the city could experience more than 90 days each year with temperatures above 95°F (35°C), many of them edging into triple digits. Sweltering conditions will become routine, not rare. This relentless heat means greater strain on the power grid, as more people crank up the air conditioning. The city’s large vulnerable population — including those without reliable housing or access to cooling — faces growing health risks. Outdoor workers, such as construction crews and landscapers, will struggle to keep up with job demands. Even Houston’s famous bayous and parks may see fewer visitors. The challenge for Houston is clear: adapt quickly, or face the consequences.

Delhi, India

Delhi’s summers are legendary for their intensity, but the future looks even more daunting. By 2050, projections show over 100 days each year with highs above 104°F (40°C). These conditions will make everyday life nearly unbearable for the city’s 32 million residents. Delhi’s air pollution, already a major problem, becomes even more dangerous when combined with extreme heat. People living in crowded neighborhoods often lack air conditioning or green spaces to cool off. The risk of heatstroke and dehydration will skyrocket, especially for the city’s poorest residents. Schools may have to close during the hottest months, and hospitals could see a surge in heat-related illnesses. For Delhi, adapting to extreme heat isn’t just about comfort — it’s about survival.

Cairo, Egypt

Cairo, perched on the edge of the Sahara Desert, is no stranger to heat. But by 2050, the Egyptian capital is on track for over 100 days of extreme temperatures, regularly topping 104°F (40°C). The city’s dense population and historic buildings make cooling a challenge. Many homes are built to withstand heat, but modern infrastructure struggles to keep up. Water scarcity will worsen as demand for cooling and hydration increases. Outdoor markets, a staple of Cairo’s culture, may see fewer visitors as the risk of heatstroke grows. The famous pyramids and tourist sites could also suffer from decreased foot traffic during the hottest months. For Cairo, balancing ancient tradition with modern adaptation will be a race against the sun.

Baghdad, Iraq

Baghdad is one of the hottest major cities on earth already, but the coming decades could push it into uncharted territory. By 2050, residents may endure more than 100 days each year with temperatures soaring above 110°F (43°C). The city’s infrastructure is ill-equipped to handle such extremes, with frequent power outages and limited access to reliable air conditioning. Rivers and canals may dry up, exacerbating water shortages. For many Baghdadis, daily life will become a test of endurance, as even short walks outdoors could be dangerous. Public health crises, such as heat stroke and dehydration, are expected to rise. The future of Baghdad will depend on rapid improvements in urban planning and cooling technology.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The Saudi capital is already a symbol of desert heat, but by 2050, Riyadh could see over 100 days each year exceeding 110°F (43°C). Life in Riyadh will revolve around staying cool, with outdoor activities limited to the early morning or late evening. The city’s growing population will put increased pressure on water and energy resources. Traditional cooling methods, such as shaded courtyards and thick walls, may not be enough to cope with prolonged extreme heat. Air conditioning use will surge, creating higher energy emissions unless renewable sources are adopted. For Riyadh’s residents, the challenge lies in combining modern comforts with sustainable solutions.

Doha, Qatar

Doha is racing toward a future where 100 days of extreme heat each year could become the norm. By 2050, forecasts suggest the city will frequently hit or surpass 113°F (45°C) during summer months. The city’s sleek skyscrapers and luxury developments offer some relief, but much of the population still faces significant risks. Outdoor workers, especially those building new infrastructure, are particularly vulnerable. The government may need to impose strict regulations on outdoor labor during peak heat. Water scarcity is already a concern in Qatar, and rising temperatures will only add to the pressure. For Doha, innovation and adaptation are the keys to surviving a century of scorching days.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai dazzles with its futuristic skyline and ambitious projects, yet it faces a sweltering future. By 2050, the city could see over 100 days with highs above 109°F (43°C). Tourism, a vital part of Dubai’s economy, might suffer as outdoor attractions become less appealing. Even the famous shopping malls and indoor ski slopes may struggle to offset the brutal outdoor heat. Residents will rely heavily on air conditioning, driving up energy use and costs. The risk of heat-related health problems will spike, particularly among outdoor workers and low-income families. Dubai’s challenge will be to keep its reputation as a global hub while adapting to a much hotter world.

Karachi, Pakistan

Karachi, a bustling coastal metropolis, is bracing for a dramatic increase in extreme heat days. By 2050, projections indicate over 100 days above 104°F (40°C) are possible each year. Karachi’s humidity makes the heat feel even more oppressive, and many neighborhoods lack reliable electricity or cooling. The city’s poor and vulnerable residents will be hit hardest, with limited access to healthcare and safe drinking water. Power outages, already common, could become life-threatening during the hottest months. The risk of heatwaves causing mass casualties isn’t just a distant threat — it’s a looming reality. Karachi’s future will be shaped by how it manages these rising temperatures and adapts its infrastructure.

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is a vibrant, bustling city famous for its street food and nightlife, but it’s also on the front lines of climate change. By 2050, Bangkok could face over 100 days each year with temperatures topping 100°F (38°C). The city’s tropical humidity amplifies the dangers of heat, creating a “sauna effect” that can be overwhelming. Millions of residents live in crowded conditions, with limited access to reliable cooling. Heatwaves could disrupt daily life, from school closures to transportation delays. Bangkok’s famous canals and parks might offer some relief, but they won’t be enough. The city will need to invest in green spaces, urban shading, and public cooling centers to protect its people.

Shanghai, China

Shanghai, China’s largest city, is predicted to face over 100 days of extreme heat by 2050. With more than 24 million residents, the stakes are high. The city’s rapid urbanization has replaced natural landscapes with concrete, trapping heat and making nights nearly as hot as days. Air pollution, already a concern, worsens with high temperatures, leading to dangerous smog episodes. Outdoor workers, children, and the elderly are most at risk. Shanghai’s government will need to invest heavily in green infrastructure, such as rooftop gardens and shaded streets, to keep the city livable. The future will test the resilience and creativity of this global powerhouse.

Madrid, Spain

Madrid is known for its sunny weather, but by 2050, the Spanish capital could see over 100 days of extreme heat each year, with highs above 100°F (38°C). The city’s historic stone buildings absorb and radiate heat, making nighttime relief hard to find. Outdoor cafes and plazas, the heart of Madrid’s social life, may see fewer visitors during long heatwaves. Health services will face increased demand as more people fall ill from heat-related conditions. Water shortages could also become more common, especially with rising demand for cooling. Madrid will need to adapt its infrastructure, from public fountains to shaded walkways, to keep its citizens comfortable.

Athens, Greece

Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, faces a daunting future. By 2050, the city could experience more than 100 days each year above 100°F (38°C). Ancient ruins and marble monuments, already battered by pollution, may suffer further damage from extreme heat. The city’s hilly terrain makes it difficult for breezes to cool things down, trapping heat in low-lying neighborhoods. Residents without access to air conditioning are particularly vulnerable. Athens’ famous outdoor lifestyle, from al fresco dining to evening strolls, will be threatened. The city will need to find new ways to protect its heritage and its people from the mounting heat.

Rome, Italy

Rome’s charm lies in its outdoor piazzas and ancient sites, but climate change is reshaping the city’s identity. By 2050, more than 100 days each year could see temperatures above 95°F (35°C). Tourists and locals alike will struggle with the heat while exploring the city’s attractions. The risk of heat-related illnesses will rise, especially among the elderly. Water fountains, a symbol of Rome’s history, may become lifelines during heatwaves. City officials will need to consider new cooling measures, from expanding green spaces to improving public transport. Rome’s future will be a balancing act between preserving its past and protecting its people.

Lagos, Nigeria

Lagos, Africa’s largest city, is set to face a dramatic increase in extreme heat days by 2050. Projections suggest more than 100 days each year could surpass 100°F (38°C). The city’s rapid population growth and construction boom make cooling a major challenge. Informal settlements, home to millions, often lack electricity and clean water. The risk of heat-related illness, especially among children, is rising fast. Lagos will need to invest in public cooling centers, shade trees, and improved housing to protect its people. The fight against extreme heat here is also a fight for social justice.

Jakarta, Indonesia

Jakarta, already struggling with flooding and pollution, now faces a future of relentless heat. By 2050, the city could endure over 100 days each year with dangerous temperatures above 95°F (35°C). Humidity makes the heat feel even worse, putting extra stress on the body. Many neighborhoods are densely packed, with little green space to cool things down. Power outages and water shortages are likely to increase as demand surges. Jakarta’s famous markets and street food scenes may suffer, as fewer people venture outdoors. The city’s leaders must act fast to keep Jakarta livable in the face of mounting heat.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is known for its tango and vibrant street life, but extreme heat could soon disrupt the rhythm. By 2050, more than 100 days each year could see highs above 95°F (35°C). The city’s aging infrastructure and energy grid may struggle to handle increased demand for cooling. Elderly residents and those in low-income neighborhoods are most at risk. Public health officials warn of more frequent heatwaves and related illnesses. Parks and waterfronts could offer some relief, but more will be needed. Buenos Aires will have to blend innovation with tradition to weather the coming heat.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul bridges continents and cultures, but it’s also bridging into a much hotter future. By 2050, the city could see over 100 days each year above 95°F (35°C). The city’s dense urban core traps heat, making summer nights nearly as hot as days. Water shortages and power cuts may become more common as demand spikes. Istanbul’s famous outdoor bazaars and cafes will face new challenges in keeping customers comfortable. Vulnerable groups, including refugees and the elderly, need special attention as the risks grow. Istanbul’s future hinges on its ability to adapt ancient traditions to a modern, warming world.