Cape Verde Record Heatwaves: 2023 Hottest Year on Record
A new study on temperature and public health has officially identified 2023 as Cape Verde’s record year for heatwaves. Researchers revealed that these extreme weather events had a profound impact on public health, particularly regarding respiratory illnesses, with an unusual surge in heat intensity during nighttime hours.
Rising Health Risks
Gisela Garcia, a researcher and epidemiologist at the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), presented the findings during a national dialogue on climate and health in Praia. The meeting serves as a critical lead-up to the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled to begin next Monday in Turkey.
While the study highlighted a significant spike in respiratory issues, Garcia noted that the extreme temperatures also exacerbated chronic, dermatological, and neurological conditions. One of the most striking findings was that heatwaves were more prevalent at night than during the day—a trend that poses unique challenges for the human body, which relies on cooler nighttime temperatures to recover from daytime heat stress.
A Path Toward Resilience
To combat the escalating threat of climate change, the study advocates for the immediate creation of a national early warning system. This proposal includes establishing an official definition for “heatwaves” in the region and ensuring continuous synchronization between meteorological and health data.
Concrete steps are already underway. As part of a long-term monitoring project, thermal sensors are currently being installed on the island of Brava to provide real-time data collection. The study, which launched in January 2025 after a year of preparation, focused on six key municipalities: São Vicente, Sal, Praia, Ribeira Brava, Fogo, and Brava.
A Global Warning
The research was conducted by the INSP in collaboration with the Institute of Meteorology and Geophysics, receiving technical and financial backing from Luxembourg Development Cooperation. The findings arrive at a critical time; according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), 2025 is projected to be among the three hottest years ever recorded globally, threatening to intensify storms and accelerate sea-level rise.
Image: Pexels – Thomas Schwaak
