Record-Breaking Asian Heatwaves of May 2026: Concurrent Outbreaks, Physical Drivers, and Anthropogenic Influence

In May 2026, simultaneous heatwaves struck multiple regions across Asia. India and South China were particularly hard-hit, with temperatures repeatedly soaring to unprecedented highs. These heatwaves coincided with high humidity and were concentrated in densely populated areas, severely impacting human health and exacerbating socioeconomic vulnerabilities. Here, we provide an overview of the earliest deadly humid heat in South China and the characteristics of record-breaking heatwaves in India during mid-to-late May. We further summarize the physical drivers of the Indian heatwave, attributing its modulation to the strengthened Iranian Plateau high and the Western Pacific Subtropical High (WPSH) during the El Niño developing phase. Meanwhile, the exceptionally early occurrence of humid heatwaves over South China was shaped by an abruptly displaced WPSH and atmospheric moistening following a heavy rainfall spell. Finally, our results indicate that human activities increase the probability of heatwave events of similar intensity occurring in India.