Greece is currently experiencing its hottest July weekend in 50 years, with temperatures expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Similarly, the southern United States is also facing a record-breaking heat wave that is predicted to intensify in the coming days.
This summer, millions of people in the northern hemisphere have been enduring extreme heat, suggesting that July is on track to become the hottest month ever recorded. Experts attribute this trend to climate change resulting from the burning of fossil fuels, which has led to global warming and the occurrence of destructive weather patterns.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that approximately 80 million Americans in the southern United States will experience temperatures of 41 degrees Celsius (106 degrees Fahrenheit) and higher this weekend. The city of Phoenix, Arizona, is expected to have the highest temperatures, with a forecast of up to 46 degrees Celsius (115 degrees Fahrenheit). Additionally, the city has witnessed more than three weeks of consecutive days with temperatures exceeding 43 degrees Celsius (109 degrees Fahrenheit).
On Thursday, a dangerous fire broke out near Phoenix’s international airport at a propane business, causing multiple tanks to explode. Fire Captain Rob McDade explained that the extreme heat causes propane tanks to become projectiles, capable of traveling up to 500 yards (meters).
In the midst of this heatwave, many tourists are flocking to Death Valley National Park, located on the California-Nevada border, to take selfies next to a temperature display outside the visitor center. The aim is to witness a potential break of the world record temperature of 56.7 degrees Celsius (134 degrees Fahrenheit), set in July 1913. However, meteorologists suggest that this record was likely inaccurate due to faulty measurements.
Record-breaking Absolute Heat
Despite the controversy surrounding the previous record, NASA climatologist Gavin Schmidt claims that July 2023 is on track to become not only the hottest month since temperature records began but also the hottest in hundreds, if not thousands, of years. He emphasizes that this extreme heat cannot be solely attributed to the El Niño weather pattern, which only recently emerged and is not expected to strengthen until later in the year.
El Niño is associated with elevated ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Schmidt argues that the persistence of extreme heat can be attributed to the continuous emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
In addition to the heatwave, Greece is currently battling numerous forest fires. Authorities have issued warnings for people to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities due to the scorching heat. Key tourist attractions, such as the Acropolis, are closed during the hottest parts of the day. Meteorologist Panagiotis Giannopoulos from state broadcaster ERT predicts that this weekend may be the hottest July weekend in the past 50 years, with Athens experiencing temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius for six to seven consecutive days in late July. Such a prolonged period of extreme heat is highly unusual for the Greek capital, and temperatures as high as 44 degrees Celsius are expected on Sunday, with the central region of Thessalia enduring temperatures of 45 degrees Celsius.
Tragically, a 46-year-old man on the central Greek island of Evia reportedly died from heatstroke after being admitted to Chalkida Hospital. Doctors suspect that exposure to high temperatures led to cardio-respiratory failure.
The national meteorological institute EMY has reported temperatures of 41 degrees Celsius in the Attica region, which includes Athens, and predicts temperatures of up to 44 degrees Celsius in Thessalia. Yannis Kallianos, a meteorologist from private broadcaster Mega, describes the heatwave as “endless and intense.” He warns that the heatwave may persist until next Thursday or Friday and that strong northerly winds could increase the risk of fires. Firefighters are currently battling 79 forest fires across Greece, and the country remains on high alert throughout the weekend. It is worth noting that Greece is not the only nation experiencing prolonged periods of extreme heat, as similar conditions are observed in various countries worldwide.
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
