Record heat burns many areas across world

(MENAFN) Record-setting temperatures have scorched regions across the Mediterranean, Europe, Asia, the US, and the Middle East this week, with meteorologists warning that the extreme heat is expected to continue in the coming days.

According to data compiled by Anadolu, the heatwave that began intensifying in early June has returned to the Mediterranean and parts of Europe, including Türkiye. On Thursday, temperatures in Türkiye soared 6 to 12 degrees Celsius (10.8 to 21.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above the seasonal average. The highest temperature was recorded in Silopi, in the eastern province of Sirnak, reaching 50.5°C (122.9°F). Other notable high temperatures included 49.6°C (121.3°F) in Kiziltepe, 49.4°C (120.9°F) in Cizre, and 49.3°C (120.7°F) in Nusaybin, with six weather stations across the country exceeding 49°C (120.2°F).

In Europe, Greece’s Skala region on the Peloponnese Peninsula hit 46°C (114.8°F), while Lindos on Rhodes Island recorded a record 43.6°C (110.5°F). Albania’s Vlore reached 42.4°C (108.3°F), and Sarajevo hit 39°C (102.2°F). Further north, Finland experienced temperatures of 30°C (86°F) or above for 14 consecutive days—the longest such stretch since records began in 1961. Sweden also saw daytime highs around 30°C and nighttime temperatures near 23°C (73.4°F).

In Southeast Asia, temperatures soared as well, with Chawang in southern Thailand reaching 36.5°C (97.7°F), Surigao in the southern Philippines hitting 36.2°C (97.2°F), and Palu in Indonesia reaching 37°C (98.6°F). Japan’s northern city Otaru recorded 34°C (93.2°F), with other areas surpassing 30°C (86°F). Malaysia also reported high temperatures.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) cautioned that hazardous heat conditions will persist due to stable high-pressure systems. Baghdad is forecast to reach 49°C (120.2°F) on Friday, while parts of Egypt, Oman, Türkiye, and Greece are also expected to endure intense heat through the weekend.

Marine heatwaves are also intensifying in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea. Climate scientist Rebecca Emerton from the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service told Anadolu that sea surface temperatures in these areas are significantly above average. As of July 22, the Aegean Sea’s surface temperature was 3°C (5.4°F) higher than the 1992–2020 average.

Emerton noted that the marine heatwave’s extent and intensity increased during the week of July 20 to 26, reaching moderate to strong levels, especially in the northwestern Aegean.

Copernicus data showed that the global average surface temperature on July 22 was 16.64°C (61.95°F), which is 0.38°C (0.68°F) higher than the 1992–2020 average.

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