Global temperatures reach 30-year high
Clare Nullis, the spokesperson for the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), explained that they measured temperatures based on a 30-year period, and noted that the recorded temperatures have surpassed those from 1991 to 2020.
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- Published Date: 11:12 | 15 August 2024
- Modified Date: 11:23 | 15 August 2024
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"Climate change is the biggest driving force behind the current extreme heat," she emphasized.
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Europe experienced the hottest July to date
Nullis mentioned that this summer, numerous heat records were broken, with many European countries experiencing the hottest July to date.
She pointed out that the highest temperature recorded in Europe remains 48.8 degrees Celsius, measured in Sicily on August 11, 2021.
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Heat alerts in Belgium
Following an exceptionally hot July, high temperatures continue into August in Europe.
A heatwave has engulfed Belgium, leading the Royal Meteorological Institute to issue heat alerts. An "orange alert" was issued across the country on August 12 and 13 due to extreme temperatures, while a "yellow alert" remained in effect in some regions.
Temperatures are expected to range between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius.
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"Orange Alert" in France
France has also been battling extremely high temperatures. Yesterday, an "orange alert" was issued in 45 provinces.
The French meteorological agency, Meteo-France, has forecast that the heat will affect almost the entire country.
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The highest temperatures, ranging between 36 and 38 degrees Celsius, are expected to be recorded in Ile-de-France, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Burgundy, Centre, Haute-Normandie, and Hauts-de-France.
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England has seen the hottest day of the year
In England, August 12 was recorded as the hottest day of 2024.
According to the Meteorological Office (Met Office), the highest temperature of 2024 so far with 34.8 degrees Celsius was measured in Cambridge today. It was also noted that this was the highest temperature measured since August 13, 2022.
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The statement added that rain is expected to move in on August 14, and that the second half of August will remain hot and dry with occasional showers.
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Highest temperature of the year in Switzerland
Scorching temperatures affected Switzerland over the weekend, with 33 degrees Celsius in Geneva and 34 degrees Celsius in Zurich on August 12. Some areas where the heatwave has been intense experienced thunderstorms last night.
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Europe Warming Faster than the Global Average
During the June 2023-June 2024 period, global temperatures have broken records for 13 consecutive months. According to the European Union's Copernicus satellite monitoring system, July 21 was recorded as the "hottest day" globally in recent history.
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Last year, widespread and prolonged heat waves were experienced on every continent, contributing to the warming of the Earth's surface. Experts predict that high temperatures will continue to affect many regions in the short term.
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Europe, located very close to the Arctic, has warmed faster than twice the global average over the past 50 years.
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