Non-survivable heatwaves: What scientists just learned about extreme temperatures

 New research challenges the long-held 35°C wet-bulb temperature as the human survival limit. A physiology-based model suggests deadly heat stress can occur at cooler, drier conditions, even below this threshold. Older adults are particularly vulnerable, with lethal heat already impacting them during recent heatwaves, highlighting urgent reassessment of heat risk warnings. New research challenges the long-held 35°C wet-bulb temperature as the human survival limit. A physiology-based model suggests deadly heat stress can occur at cooler, drier conditions, even below this threshold. Older adults are particularly vulnerable, with lethal heat already impacting them during recent heatwaves, highlighting urgent reassessment of heat risk warnings.