Biologically, it comes down to two things: the natural rise and fall of women’s hormone levels and our body’s response to heat, which are different to men’s, Dr Arif said.

Women produce less sweat and start sweating at a higher temperature, research – including this 2025 study, external – shows.

This impairs our ability to quickly shed excess heat and makes it harder to judge when our bodies are under burden, simply because we can’t see as much sweat on our skin or clothing.

The same research found, external that women also have a higher core body temperature and body fat percentage than men, which acts like an extra insulating layer.

Now combine this with the natural fluctuations of women’s hormones, which already put our brain’s temperature regulation systems “out of kilter”, according to Dr Arif.

Our levels of oestrogen and progesterone shift most substantially during the menstrual cycle, perimenopause, menopause, pregnancy and while breastfeeding – which can make you less able to regulate your temperature.

All of this is hard work for our cardiovascular systems, especially in hot weather.

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More than 230,000 families – that’s around 1.15 million people – received monthly food parcels between 1 and 27 November, through 59 distribution points, including 21 in northern Gaza.

Shelter partners distributed over 8,800 blankets and more than 300 tents, with additional tarpaulins and mattresses arriving this week.

Flood risk

Site management teams warn that flooding remains a major risk. Sandbags have been deployed to 41 displacement sites, while cash-for-work teams have been reinforcing drainage and collect empty flour sacks to improve insulation.

On Friday, UN-coordinated aid entering Gaza included dignity kits, menstrual health items, medical supplies and adolescent kits – though road damage and limited transport continue to restrict access, especially in the north.

Protection partners say gender-based violence services reached 671 women and girls in one day last week, with new tents allowing safe spaces to reopen after flood damage.

Briefing reporters in New York on Monday, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said humanitarian conditions remain extremely dire even as aid operations continue.

Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ramiz Alakbarov, has just finished a fact-finding mission to Gaza, stressing the importance of unfettered humanitarian access.

“Meanwhile, our partners leading the health response report that they continue to restore services across the Strip – with 234 health service points now operational, compared to 197 before the ceasefire,” Mr. Dujarric added.

Shelter needs

Shelter needs are still high, with some 1.5 million people in need of urgent support.

Over the weekend, 160 high-performance tents arrived in Gaza for learning activities – the biggest influx so far. However, stationary and other school supplies are still not being allowed into Gaza, Mr. Dujarric warned, hampering efforts to scale up the response.

Around 123,000 families have received cash assistance since the fragile truce began – exceeding the target of 120,000 under the 60-day ceasefire plan.

“Whether it is floods sweeping South Sudan and Brazil, record-breaking heat in Kenya and Pakistan, or water shortages in Chad and Ethiopia, extreme weather is pushing already fragile communities to the brink,” the UN agency said.

Over the past decade, weather-related disasters accounted for 250 million internal displacements, the equivalent of around 70,000 every day, or two displacements every three seconds. Returns to Syria and Afghanistan this year have contributed to lower global displacement than in 2024. 

Frontline struggle

In a new report, UNHCR also pointed out that three in four of all those who’ve been uprooted now live in countries where frontline communities face “high-to-extreme” exposure to climate-related hazards.

“Extreme weather is putting people’s safety at greater risk; it is disrupting access to essential services, destroying homes and livelihoods and forcing families – many who have already fled violence – to flee once more,” said Filippo Grandi, the outgoing UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

“These are people who have already endured immense loss, and now they face the same hardships and devastation again. They are among the hardest hit by severe droughts, deadly floods and record-breaking heatwaves, yet they have the fewest resources to recover.”

Protection system strung out

Around the world, basic survival systems for refugees are already under strain, UNHCR warned.

In parts of flood-affected Chad, for instance, newly arrived refugees fleeing the war in neighbouring Sudan receive fewer than 10 litres of water a day, which is far below emergency standards.

Evidence also indicates that by 2050, the hottest refugee camps could face nearly 200 days of extreme heat stress per year, with serious risks to health and survival.

“Many of these locations are likely to become uninhabitable due to the deadly combination of extreme heat and high humidity,” the UN refugee agency maintained.

African land degradation threat

It noted that 1.2 million refugees returned home in early 2025 but half of this number arrived in “climate-vulnerable” areas. Meanwhile, UNHCR also noted that a full 75 per cent of land across the continent of Africa is deteriorating and that more than one in two refugee settlements are located in “high stress” areas.

“This is shrinking access to food, water and income,” the UN agency insisted, driving recruitment to armed groups in parts of the Sahel, fuelling conflict and repeated displacement.

Despite rising needs, funding shortfalls and what UNHCR calls “a deeply inequitable climate finance system” have left millions unprotected. Today, conflict-affected countries that host refugees receive only one quarter of the climate finance they need, while the vast majority of global climate funding never reaches displaced communities or their hosts.

“Funding cuts are severely limiting our ability to protect refugees and displaced families from the effects of extreme weather,” Mr. Grandi said, speaking on the opening day of the UN COP30 climate summit in Belem, Brazil.

“If we want stability, we must invest where people are most at risk,” the UNHCR chief added. “To prevent further displacement, climate financing needs to reach the communities already living on the edge. They cannot be left alone. This COP must deliver real action, not empty promises.”

Key UNHCR report findings:

•    Three in every four refugees or people displaced by conflict are currently living in countries facing high-to-extreme exposure to climate-related hazards.
•    1.2 million refugees returned home in early 2025, half to climate-vulnerable areas.
•    75 per cent of land in Africa is deteriorating, with over half of refugee settlements in high-stress areas.
•    Nearly all current refugee settlements will face an unprecedented rise in hazardous heat. By 2050, the hottest fifteen refugee camps in the world – located in Gambia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Senegal and Mali – are projected to face nearly 200 days or more of hazardous heat stress per year.
•    By 2040, the number of countries facing extreme climate hazards could rise from three to 65.
•    Since April 2023, nearly 1.3 million people fleeing the conflict in Sudan have sought refuge in South Sudan and Chad, two countries among the least equipped to cope with the growing climate emergency.

Jeff Dowling/EMBL-EBI

Jeff Dowling/EMBL-EBI

What can you do with the results?

The study also highlights positive developments amid the bleak news, such as the growing role of renewable energy in the region and the power of early warning systems to save lives.

“In 2024, weather and climate impacts cascaded from the Andes to the Amazon, from crowded cities to coastal communities, causing major economic and environmental disruptions,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.

“Drought and extreme heat fuelled devastating wildfires. Exceptional rainfall triggered unprecedented flooding, and we saw the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record,” she added.

Feeling the heat

The State of the Climate for Latin America and the Caribbean report reveals that 2024 was the warmest or second warmest year on record, depending on the dataset used.

Rising temperatures led to the disappearance of the Humboldt Glacier, the last one standing in Venezuela, which became the second country in the world after Slovenia to lose all its glaciers in the modern era.

Meanwhile, El Niño conditions in the first half of the year influenced rain patterns. For example, areas across the Amazonia and Pantanal regions in Brazil experienced widespread drought, where rainfall was 30 to 40 per cent below normal. 

Wildfires and floods

Wildfires in the Amazon and Pantanal, as well as in central Chile, Mexico and Belize, were driven by drought and extreme heatwaves, breaking records in many countries. Wildfires in Chile resulted in over 130 deaths – the country’s worst disaster since the February 2010 earthquake.

Floods triggered by heavy rainfall in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul became Brazil’s worst climate related disaster, causing billions in economic losses to the agricultural sector. 

While timely warnings and evacuations helped mitigate the impacts of the flooding, WMO said more than 180 fatalities were reported, thus highlighting the need to improve understanding around disaster risks among both authorities and the general public.

Hope and resilience

“But there is also hope,” Ms. Saulo insisted, pointing to bright spots in the report. 

“Early warnings and climate services from National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) are saving lives and increasing resilience throughout Latin America and the Caribbean,” she said.

Moreover, renewable energy accounts for nearly 69 per cent of the energy mix. Solar and wind energy experienced a remarkable 30 per cent increase in capacity and generation compared to 2023, WMO said.

The UN weather agency and partners are also assisting national meteorological and hydrological services to support renewable energy development and integration through artificial intelligence-based wind forecasting, and other measures.

The State of the Climate for Latin America and the Caribbean report was issued at a WMO Regional Association meeting hosted by El Salvador to inform decisions on climate change mitigation, adaptation and risk management at the regional level.

It complements the State of the Global Climate flagship report, released last week. 

As a weather system approaches the UK late on Saturday, rain will bump into the colder Arctic air and turn to snow.

Snow will temporarily fall in parts of southern England before quickly turning back to rain on Saturday night with milder air moving in.

For Wales, the Midlands and northern England there could be as much as 5cm of snow falling to low levels and for a time, freezing rain which brings icy conditions.

As much as 20 to 30cm (8 to 12ins) of accumulating snow is possible over higher ground in parts of Wales and the Pennines. Strengthening wind blizzards and drifting snow could lead to depths of snow up to 40cm over these areas too.

There is potential for travel disruption, power cuts and some rural communities being cut off.

By Sunday and overnight into Monday, the focus of heavy snow will transfer to Scotland with an additional Met Office yellow warning in force suggesting 2-3cm of snow at low levels and as much as 20cm over higher ground.

This weather set up, where you have cold air sitting across the UK with a rain-bearing weather system from the Atlantic moving through, is a tricky one for forecasters.

How much snow and the exact locations where it will fall can be difficult to pin down more than a day ahead, leading to uncertainties in the forecast.

As Typhoon Kong-rey closes in on Taiwan, the storm’s powerful winds and torrential rains have disrupted both air and rail traffic, leaving thousands stranded and forcing officials to cancel hundreds of scheduled services. The typhoon, one of the strongest of the season, is anticipated to make landfall on Taiwan’s eastern coast on Thursday afternoon, prompting authorities to enforce precautionary measures that impact public transport systems and emergency services across the island.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, the nation’s busiest hub, experienced significant disruption early Thursday morning as Typhoon Kong-rey neared the coast. At least 241 passenger and cargo flights were canceled, according to the Taoyuan International Airport Corporation (TIAC), with nearly equal cancellations of inbound and outbound flights. The affected flights include both domestic routes and major international connections.

By 9:30 a.m., TIAC reported that 109 inbound flights, 103 outbound flights, and 29 cargo flights had been suspended. Additional cancellations may follow, depending on the trajectory and impact of the typhoon later in the day. Passengers have been advised to check with airlines directly, as schedules may continue to shift with weather updates.

A spokesperson from the airport said, “We have prioritized the safety of passengers and staff, and as the typhoon’s effects escalate, we are maintaining close communication with airlines. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed and contact customer support channels for alternative arrangements.”

Alongside the air travel disruptions, Taiwan’s rail system has also been affected, with both regular train lines and high-speed rail services taking extensive precautions. Taiwan Railway Corporation (TRC) announced the cancellation of express train services on several major routes, including the Western Trunk Line, Eastern Trunk Line, and South-Link Line, affecting travelers who rely on these popular lines for daily and long-distance commutes.

To reduce passenger volume and ensure safety, TRC will operate a limited number of commuter trains between Keelung and Changhua on Thursday morning. However, the company has announced that all services after noon will be suspended. “The intensity of the storm remains unpredictable, and we must prioritize the safety of our passengers and employees. We encourage travelers to seek alternative transport options and avoid unnecessary journeys today,” said a TRC official.

In addition to regular rail service, the Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation (THSRC) has implemented several modifications to its schedule. High-speed trains are expected to operate every 30 minutes, departing from both northern and southern terminal stations. However, these trains will run on a reservation-free basis in standard cars, with only business-class seats available for booking. THSRC has advised travelers to anticipate delays and increased passenger volume as schedules may shift with updates on Kong-rey’s progression.

In response to the advancing typhoon, Taoyuan Metro Corporation announced the suspension of express and extended service trains on the Taoyuan Airport MRT line. Travelers bound for Taoyuan International Airport will have access to commuter trains that run every 15 minutes. However, pre-flight check-in and baggage handling services at Taipei Main Station and New Taipei Industrial Park Station have been suspended for the day, eliminating an option many travelers rely on to avoid congestion at the airport.

With the heavy rain and high winds expected to increase throughout Thursday, other transit lines and local services may also see adjustments, with city and regional bus services on alert for potential suspension. Road travel has already been impacted by heavy rains and debris, and officials have warned residents to avoid non-essential travel and prepare for possible power outages.

Typhoon Kong-rey has shown a steady intensification in recent days, with current sustained wind speeds over 160 kilometers per hour (100 miles per hour), categorizing it as a strong typhoon. Forecast models suggest the storm will make landfall on Taiwan’s eastern coast near Hualien and Taitung counties, with the potential to bring 300 to 500 millimeters of rainfall to central and southern areas. Coastal regions are bracing for possible storm surges, while mountainous regions face an elevated risk of landslides.

In response, the Central Weather Bureau (CWB) has issued warnings across eastern, southern, and central Taiwan. Local governments in several cities and counties have mobilized emergency response teams, setting up temporary shelters and preparing rescue equipment for potential evacuations in at-risk areas. The Ministry of the Interior has also activated its Disaster Prevention and Response Network, coordinating efforts among various agencies, including fire departments, health services, and social welfare organizations.

The anticipated impact of Typhoon Kong-rey has led local authorities to issue directives for school and office closures in high-risk areas. In particular, cities and townships across the eastern coast and several inland areas have suspended operations for the day, advising citizens to remain indoors and take appropriate precautions.

Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, and other major urban centers remain on high alert, with several schools and workplaces monitoring conditions to determine whether additional closures will be necessary. Government officials have advised residents to stock up on emergency supplies, including drinking water, flashlights, and medical kits, in preparation for possible utility disruptions.

Historic Wind Speeds Recorded on Taiwan’s Orchid Island as Typhoon Kong-rey Strikes

Chu Mei-lin (朱美霖), a forecaster with the CWA, highlighted the significance of the sustained 213 kph wind reading at a press briefing on Thursday. “This is not merely an isolated incident,” Chu explained, “but a testament to the evolving and increasingly severe nature of typhoons affecting Taiwan. Orchid Island’s exposure to such extreme weather conditions places it on the front lines of climate-related changes in the Pacific region.”

Orchid Island’s weather station has historically documented intense weather events, though this record-breaking wind speed marks a new era for Taiwan’s meteorological history. The island’s remote location and geography make it highly vulnerable to strong typhoons emerging from the Pacific Ocean, giving it a unique role in monitoring climate change indicators in East Asia.

The 213 kph sustained wind speed record on Thursday is remarkable, yet it follows another extreme measurement from last year, when Typhoon Koinu struck the same island. On October 5, 2023, Typhoon Koinu delivered a massive wind gust measuring 343 kph (213 mph) on Orchid Island. According to Chu, this reading was so powerful that it broke the weather station’s anemometer, which had stood operational for 126 years without failing. The gust from Koinu remains the strongest recorded wind speed on Orchid Island.

The measurements recorded from both Typhoon Kong-rey and Typhoon Koinu underscore Orchid Island’s critical role in Taiwan’s meteorological monitoring network. Over the past several years, data from Orchid Island have increasingly shown trends pointing toward higher-intensity storms, which local scientists link to larger global climate patterns.

Typhoon Kong-rey, now officially classified as one of the strongest storms to impact Taiwan in recent years, continued to push westward on Thursday, carrying sustained winds over 185 kph (115 mph) and gusts surpassing 220 kph (137 mph). The CWA issued extensive weather warnings, especially for Orchid Island, where heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and landslides were anticipated.

The highest priority in Orchid Island and nearby regions has been evacuating residents from areas vulnerable to landslides and severe flooding. CWA officials emphasized that the island’s topography, particularly with steep cliffs and limited flat land, makes it particularly susceptible to such hazards. Additionally, the unusually high wind speeds raise concerns about infrastructure resilience, especially in regard to power lines, housing, and transportation networks that could suffer serious damage from sustained exposure to such extreme conditions.