Extreme Heatwave

July 2023: The World’s Warmest Month Ever and Its Effects Worldwide

July is set to become the hottest month ever recorded globally. Extreme heat is being felt worldwide.

Athens, Greece, expects its hottest July weekend in 50 years, with temperatures above 40°C. Wildfires are forcing many to evacuate from islands like Rhodes and Corfu. Italy, Spain, and France are also experiencing record-breaking heat, causing several deaths. Death Valley in California, one of the hottest places on Earth, recently saw a 71-year-old hiker die from the heat.

Earth’s average temperature

On July 6th, the Earth’s average temperature hit a new high of 17.23°C, breaking records set just days earlier. The previous record was 16.92°C in August 2016. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) states that the Earth’s average temperature is about 13.9°C.

With these new records, 2023 might become the hottest year. The southwestern U.S. is experiencing hotter than normal temperatures, with parts of Arizona reaching 43.3°C daily and South Texas hitting 48°C. China also saw record temperatures, with one town reaching over 52°C. Kerala, India, recorded 120 heatwave-related deaths, the highest in the country.

Southern Europe continues to suffer from intense heat, with 20 cities in Italy under red alert. Even Antarctica, currently in winter, has seen unusual temperatures, with Argentine Islands hitting 8.7°C.

Heatwaves are increasing in Europe

Heatwaves are increasing in Europe, the U.S., and Asia, causing wildfires and threatening homes and livelihoods. The UK Met Office defines a heatwave as an extended period of very high temperatures, varying by country. If the high temperatures last for three days, it’s called a heatwave.

Millions are dealing with these extreme heatwaves. Greece’s current heatwave might be the longest in its history, impacting its tourism industry. People are advised to stay home, and tourist sites, including Athens’ Acropolis, close during the hottest parts of the day. Wildfires in Greece have led to mass evacuations, with Rhodes experiencing the largest evacuation in Greek history.

Alerts for extreme heat in many cities,

Italy has issued red alerts for extreme heat in many cities, posing a threat to all. In Rome, zoo animals are given frozen treats to help them cool down. Spain is also gripped by an intense heatwave, affecting vineyards and causing residents to flee homes due to wildfires. Despite the heat, Spaniards voted in an election on July 23rd, with cooling measures at polling stations.

People across Europe are finding ways to cope, from using natural mud as sunscreen in Croatia to scuba diving in the Adriatic Sea to escape the heat. In the U.S., Phoenix, Arizona, faces a relentless heatwave, breaking a 50-year record with temperatures above 43.3°C for 19 days straight. The Phoenix Zoo is providing frozen treats to animals to help them stay cool.

California’s Death Valley

California’s Death Valley recently hit 53°C, while ocean temperatures around Florida are 5°C above normal, worrying scientists about potential coral bleaching and hurricanes. Asia is also feeling the heat, with Beijing experiencing 27 consecutive days above 35°C. In China’s Chongqing, cooling shelters are set up to help people combat the heat.

The climate phenomenon El Niño is contributing to these intense heatwaves. El Niño refers to the abnormal warming of Pacific Ocean waters, leading to more intense heatwaves and storms. This year marks the first El Niño in four years, and it’s expected to bring more extreme weather.

The high temperatures of 2023 highlight the impact of climate change. As the planet warms, extreme heat events will become more frequent and severe. The world is facing a serious challenge with rising temperatures and more intense heatwaves.

Conclusion

The intense heatwaves and record-breaking temperatures of 2023 underscore the urgent need to address climate change. As global temperatures continue to rise, we can expect more frequent and severe heatwaves, impacting lives, economies, and ecosystems worldwide.

The current conditions are a stark reminder of the devastating effects of climate change and the importance of taking immediate action to mitigate its impact.

The alarm bells are ringing, and it is crucial for governments, communities, and individuals to work together to find sustainable solutions to combat this global crisis.

FAQs

1. Why is July 2023 set to become the hottest month on record?

July 2023 is experiencing unprecedented global temperatures due to a combination of climate change and the climate phenomenon El Niño, which causes abnormal warming of ocean waters.

2. What areas are most affected by the extreme heatwaves?

Regions most affected include southern Europe (Greece, Italy, Spain, France), parts of the United States (Arizona, Texas, California), and areas in Asia (China, India). Even Antarctica has recorded unusually high temperatures.

3. How are heatwaves defined?

The UK Met Office defines a heatwave as a period of exceptionally high temperatures lasting for at least three consecutive days. The threshold temperature varies by country.

4. What impacts are the heatwaves having?

The heatwaves are causing wildfires, forcing evacuations, disrupting agriculture, and leading to heat-related deaths. They also impact daily life, tourism, and wildlife.

5. What is El Niño and how does it affect the weather?

El Niño is a climate pattern characterized by the warming of Pacific Ocean waters, leading to more intense heatwaves, storms, and prolonged hot seasons.

6. What records have been broken in 2023?

Several records have been broken, including:

• Earth’s average temperature reaching 17.23°C on July 6th.
• Beijing experiencing 27 consecutive days above 35°C.
• Southern Texas hitting 48°C.
• Death Valley recording 53°C.