Extreme heat waves are a growing global health concern, with their frequency and intensity escalating due to climate change. Understanding past trends in heat wave impacts is crucial for informing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.

This study aims to analyze the historical impact of extreme heat waves on global mortality and morbidity, identifying geographical and temporal trends to inform public health interventions.

We conducted a retrospective analysis using data from the Emergency Events Database. This comprehensive database provided records of heat wave events and associated mortality and morbidity data spanning recent decades. Statistical analysis was performed to identify trends and patterns in heat wave occurrences and their health impacts.

Our analysis reveals a concerning increase in both the frequency and severity of extreme heat waves globally. This trend corresponds with a significant rise in heat-related mortality and morbidity, particularly in regions with limited adaptive capacity and among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

The findings underscore the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate the health risks posed by extreme heat. These include strengthening healthcare infrastructure to manage heat-related illnesses, developing effective early warning systems, and implementing community-based interventions to reduce heat exposure. This research provides a critical historical perspective on the growing threat of extreme heat, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation and immediate action to protect populations from this escalating public health challenge.