New research led by the University of Bristol has highlighted regions across the world most at risk of devastating effects from unprecedented heat waves. The study identifies regions such as Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea, Central America, Beijing, and Central Europe as the most vulnerable due to socioeconomic vulnerability and limited adaptation measures. The researchers used extreme value statistics and large datasets to pinpoint regions globally where temperature records are most likely to be broken soonest. The study calls for policy makers in hotspot regions to consider relevant action plans to reduce the risk of deaths and associated harms from climate extremes.