OECD Warns of Rising Heat and Drought Risks
A new OECD report finds extreme heat and declining soil moisture are increasing risks to food, energy and trade worldwide.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Severe Weather
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The OECD's Climate Action Monitor 2026 reports that days with above-average temperatures globally have risen 126% since the early 1980s. Heat stress days across OECD countries were 35% higher in 2021-2025 than in the 1981-2010 baseline.
Why it matters
Drought reduces water available for nuclear power and hydropower, while low river levels restrict inland shipping and raise transport costs. Extreme heat and falling soil moisture also threaten agricultural production and supply chains.
Latin America and the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East and North Africa have each more than tripled their number of above-average temperature days. About half the population in OECD countries is exposed to hot days exceeding 35°C each year.
The players
OECD
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development is an intergovernmental body of mostly high-income countries that publishes economic and policy analysis, including its Climate Action Monitor.
The details
Low river flows and high water temperatures can constrain nuclear power generation, and low river levels can restrict inland navigation on major shipping routes. The report links these pressures to declining soil moisture, which is raising risks to agricultural output.
Timeline
• Early 1980s: Rise in above-average temperature days begins.
• 1981-2010: Baseline period used for comparison.
• 2021-2025: Heat stress and lower soil moisture recorded.
• 5 November 2026: OECD presents Climate Action Monitor 2026 at COP31.
• 2100: Drought severity projected to increase.
Seasonal Patterns
The 2026 OECD Climate Action Monitor extends its tracking of heat and soil moisture into the 2021-2025 period, updating comparisons against the 1981-2010 baseline it has long used. The report shows the rise in hot days is now visible across regions well beyond the OECD.
Heat stress days and declining soil moisture increase pressure on water supplies, farm output and energy generation in many countries. Households and businesses in exposed regions should monitor local heat advisories and water-use restrictions as they are issued.
The takeaway
Rising heat and drought risks now affect energy, shipping and food production at the same time, so planning across these systems is becoming more important. Tracking local heat and water conditions is a practical first step for individuals and businesses.
Further reading
For more on related patterns, see Severe Weather coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
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Do you expect food prices to rise over the next year because of drought?
