The frequency and severity of heat waves are likely to increase significantly over the coming decades, according to a new study that raises fresh fears about the likely impact on agricultural production and public health.

The new research, published this week in the journal Environmental Research Letters, models the impact of climate change on "heat extremes" and warns that conditions that are currently regarded as "extreme" will become the "new normal" throughout the summer months.

The research from Dim Coumou and Alexander Robinson predicts that so-called "3-sigma" heat waves, where average monthly temperatures significantly exceed the average over the course of the past century, will become increasingly frequent.

Currently, around five per cent of the world's land mass is experiencing a 3-sigma event at any one time during the summer months, but the report predicts this will double to 10 per cent by 2020, before then doubling to 20 per cent by 2040.

The report's authors argued this increase in heat waves was already locked into the climate system, but warned that the post-2040 climate would be affected by whether or not the world makes good on commitments to deliver deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.

The report warns that if such cuts are not delivered then 85 per cent of land mass could face extreme heat waves during the summer months by the end of the century.

Severe heat waves are known to damage crop production, exacerbate drought conditions, increase forest fire risks and raise death rates in urban areas, Coumou said.

The research will provide fresh ammunition for those calling on governments to develop more comprehensive climate resilience strategies to ensure that critical infrastructure is able to cope with worsening climate impacts, and comes as a string of countries across Asia recorded record summer temperatures.

It also comes in the same week as separate research from Newcastle University warned that many UK cities have failed to develop adequate climate resilience strategies, potentially leaving them exposed to climate risks such as flooding and heat waves.