World Brief: Record Heat Across the Southern Hemisphere
Image: Satellite view of Australian heatwave via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
November 27, 2025 — Unusually high temperatures have swept across the Southern Hemisphere this week, with parts of Australia, Argentina, and South Africa recording their hottest November days on record. Meteorologists warn that persistent El Niño conditions could push average temperatures even higher through early 2026.
Australia’s early fire alerts
Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology issued multiple fire danger warnings across New South Wales and Queensland as inland areas surpassed 45°C. The country’s emergency services urged residents to prepare evacuation kits as strong winds threaten to intensify bushfire risks.
South America sets November heat records
Argentina’s Córdoba province saw temperatures above 43°C, while Paraguay and southern Brazil reported record-breaking overnight heat—temperatures staying above 28°C after midnight. The heatwave coincides with widespread drought, complicating hydroelectric power generation and agriculture.
Southern Africa braces for drought
South Africa’s meteorological service issued warnings for the Northern Cape and Free State regions, where sustained highs above 40°C have persisted for four days. Agricultural officials expect crop yield impacts if heat stress continues into December.
Scientists warn of compounding climate risks
Climatologists attribute the record heat to a strengthening El Niño and long-term global warming trends. “We’re seeing combined oceanic and atmospheric feedbacks amplifying heat extremes,” said Dr. Anita Jacobs of the World Meteorological Organization. Global mean temperatures in 2025 remain on track to exceed the 1.5°C threshold temporarily.
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