Photo: geralt from Pixabay
The world saw its third hottest July on record this year, while prolonged and intense heatwaves affected parts of Europe and are continuing in August. This July was Europe’s sixth warmest since records began, with record-low rainfalls seen in some countries, hitting local economies and agriculture and facilitating the spread of wildfires.
Temperatures in much of Europe in July 2022 were nearly 0.4°C higher than the 1991-2020 average, with spikes above 40°C observed in parts of Portugal, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom.
The UK recorded temperatures above 40°C for the first time ever
Britain breached the 40°C mark for the first time ever last month, while the Iberian Peninsula saw an unusually large number of days with maximum temperatures above 35°C. In Spain, July 2022 was the hottest month ever recorded.
Heatwaves in Europe will be longer, more frequent, and more intense
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Secretary-General Petteri Taalas has said that “this kind of heatwave is the new normal,” and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that “heatwaves in Europe will become more frequent, more intense, and will last longer.“
Globally, July 2022 was slightly cooler than July 2019 and marginally warmer than July 2016, despite the cooling effect of La Niña. The United States also had its third warmest July on record.
Antarctic sea ice extent was at its lowest in 44 years of satellite measuring
The Antarctic sea ice extent reached its lowest value for July in the 44-year satellite data record, at 15.3 million square kilometers on average, or 7% below the 1991-2020 average for July and well below the previous July low.
Be the first one to comment on this article.