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NEW DELHI, April 23, 2025 – Rapid swings between hot and cold extremes, termed “temperature flips,” have significantly increased in frequency and intensity across 60 per cent of the world’s regions over the last six decades, a new study reveals.
The research, published in the journal Nature Communications, highlights that these abrupt temperature shifts, occurring within relatively short periods, pose significant risks due to the limited time available for adaptation by humans, animals, and ecosystems.
Scientists from institutions including China’s Sun Yat-sen University and Princeton University in the US analysed global temperature data from 1961 to 2023. They found the most pronounced increases in these volatile temperature patterns occurred in South America, western Europe, Africa, and South and Southeast Asia.
The study warns that such rapid flips can magnify the adverse effects of both extreme heat and cold. This includes heightened health risks for humans, such as heart attacks and strokes, as well as negative impacts on wildlife, agriculture, and infrastructure, as societies and natural systems struggle to cope with the quick changes. While the impacts of sustained extreme temperatures are increasingly understood, the researchers noted that “little is known about the wider effects of rapid shifts between the two.”
Looking ahead, the trend of increasing temperature flips is projected to worsen and spread to most global areas, particularly under a high-emissions scenario where greenhouse gas output continues unchecked throughout the 21st century. The study forecasts that between 2071 and 2100 in such a scenario, temperature flips will become even more rapid and intense.
Crucially, the research estimates that global population exposure to these rapid shifts could more than double under high emissions. Low-income countries are expected to bear a disproportionate burden, potentially facing increases in rapid temperature flips that are four to six times higher than the global average.
However, the study offers a path to mitigate this risk. The researchers emphasize that taking decisive action now to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions could limit the world’s exposure to these dangerous temperature fluctuations. They added that the findings highlight the urgent need for global climate action to lessen the frequency and impact of temperature flips driven by global warming.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information from a study published in ‘Nature Communications’ and reported by PTI. While this summary aims for accuracy, readers are advised to consult the original scientific publication for comprehensive details and methodology.
