A severe heatwave has gripped Eastern Africa since mid-February, with South Sudan facing extreme daytime temperatures that have devastated vulnerable communities. Schools have been shut nationwide after dozens of children collapsed from heatstroke in Juba, while outdoor workers and those in poor housing conditions struggle to cope with the relentless heat.
The heatwave has exacerbated existing hardships in South Sudan, where a third of Juba’s population lacks access to clean water, and only 1% of the city offers green spaces for respite. Houses, often built with iron roofs and no cooling systems, trap heat, making indoor conditions nearly unbearable. Women and girls face disproportionate risks as they spend hours working in agriculture, collecting water, and cooking in extreme temperatures, increasing their exposure to heat-related illnesses.
Education, Health, and Displacement Worsen Crisis
With school closures, children especially girls face long-term learning losses and an increased risk of early marriage. Malnutrition, already affecting 860,000 children under five, worsens as extreme heat reduces food security and weakens immune systems. The situation is further aggravated by ongoing conflict, which has displaced over 1.1 million people into overcrowded, poorly ventilated shelters, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Scientists from multiple countries analyzed the heatwave and confirmed that climate change has made such extreme heatwaves at least 10 times more likely and 2°C hotter than they would have been in a cooler world. Without human-induced warming, such heat levels in February would have been nearly impossible. Projections indicate that as global temperatures rise, extreme heat events like this will only become more frequent and intense.
Targeted interventions are essential to help communities manage heat risks. Expanding access to clean water, shaded areas, and cooling spaces in displacement camps and informal settlements is crucial. The Ajuong Thok refugee camp, sheltering over 40,000 people, is a model of better shelter design in extreme heat conditions. Additionally, impact-based early warnings must reach vulnerable populations, ensuring lifesaving actions can be taken.
Addressing the crisis requires conflict-sensitive and gender-responsive adaptation measures, including climate-resilient farming support, labor protections for outdoor workers, and financial aid for the most affected households. As extreme heat events become more common, proactive strategies will be key to protecting lives in South Sudan and across the region.