The study examines the spatiotemporal evolution and propagation patterns of contiguous heatwaves, which are characterized by consecutive hot days with significant impacts on human health and the environment. Using reanalysis datasets and model simulations, the researchers track these heatwaves and analyze their moving patterns (distance, speed, and direction) across different continents and periods. From 1979 to 2020, substantial changes in contiguous heatwaves have been identified, including longer persistence, longer traveling distance, and slower propagation. These changes have been amplified since 1997, likely due to the weakening of eddy kinetic energy, zonal wind, and anthropogenic forcing. The findings suggest that longer-lived, longer-traveling, and slower-moving contiguous heatwaves will cause more severe impacts in the future if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise without effective mitigation measures. The study provides important implications for the adaptation and mitigation of globally connected extreme heatwaves.The study examines the spatiotemporal evolution and propagation patterns of contiguous heatwaves, which are characterized by consecutive hot days with significant impacts on human health and the environment. Using reanalysis datasets and model simulations, the researchers track these heatwaves and analyze their moving patterns (distance, speed, and direction) across different continents and periods. From 1979 to 2020, substantial changes in contiguous heatwaves have been identified, including longer persistence, longer traveling distance, and slower propagation. These changes have been amplified since 1997, likely due to the weakening of eddy kinetic energy, zonal wind, and anthropogenic forcing. The findings suggest that longer-lived, longer-traveling, and slower-moving contiguous heatwaves will cause more severe impacts in the future if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise without effective mitigation measures. The study provides important implications for the adaptation and mitigation of globally connected extreme heatwaves.