Oxford Study Ranks World Cities Most at Risk from Extreme Heat: Al Basrah Tops, Three Indian Cities in Top 10

A new study from the University of Oxford has ranked 205 of the world's most populous cities by their vulnerability to extreme heat, with Al Basrah in Iraq identified as the most at-risk urban centre. The research, published in the journal Sustainable Cities and Society, highlights that heat risk is not solely about rising temperatures but also depends on social vulnerabilities and infrastructure.

The study, titled 'Moving beyond exposure: a globally comparable framework for heat risk assessment in cities,' evaluated each city across three key dimensions: peak temperature levels, the overall vulnerability of the population, and the city's adaptive capacity to manage heat stress. This framework goes beyond simple exposure to climatic extremes, incorporating factors such as poverty, access to cooling, healthcare, and urban planning.

Al Basrah topped the list due to a combination of extreme peak temperatures and high social vulnerability combined with limited adaptive infrastructure. Three Indian cities also ranked among the top ten, underscoring the heightened risk faced by densely populated urban centres in developing nations. The Indian cities were not individually named in the release, but the study's methodology points to factors like rapid urbanisation, inadequate housing, and strained public services.

The research aims to provide a globally comparable metric for policymakers to prioritise interventions. As global temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, understanding these layered risks becomes critical for protecting urban populations. The authors urge cities to invest in green spaces, early warning systems, and social safety nets to reduce heat-related harm.