In a written statement from WMO, it was noted that intense heat waves have affected the south of the USA, the Mediterranean, North Africa, the Middle East and some Asian countries, and that WMO will examine possible new temperature records.
In the statement, it was stated that as a result of the hot weather, the national meteorological and hydrological services recorded a series of daily temperature records.
It has been noted that national temperature records may be broken in some countries and these will also be included in the WMO’s Global State of Climate report.
In the statement, it is stated that the highest temperature in the world was recorded in Death Valley in California with 56.7 degrees on July 10, 1913, according to the archive of WMO, while the temperature was measured at 54.4 degrees on August 16, 2020 and July 9, 2021 in the same region. mentioned.
It was stated that if this is confirmed, it will be recorded as the third highest temperature seen in the world since 1931.
WMO’s Climate and Weather Extremes Rapporteur Professor Randall Cerveny, whose views are included in the statement, stated that if any new extreme temperatures are recorded during the ongoing heat waves, they will publish a quick preliminary assessment and then begin detailed assessments.
“Climate change and temperature rise have led to an increase in reports of record weather and climate extremes, especially for heat. For the sake of scientific understanding and accuracy, we need to make sure these records are validated. Both the 2020 and 2021 sensor disassembly and independent testing calibration lab in Death Valley has led to an increase in reports,” Cerveny said. “One of the tests has been completed and we are waiting for the second one,” he said.
The second highest temperature in the world was recorded by WMO in July 1931 in Kebili, Tunisia, with 55 degrees.
Temperature record in Europe is in Sicily
It was also noted that WMO accepted a new temperature record for the European continent with 48.8 degrees measured in Sicily on 11 August 2021.
In the statement, it was stated that while an expert committee confirmed the accuracy of the temperature reading, the full report has not yet been published.
It was also stated that this record is likely to be broken in the near future with the intensification of the heat wave.
The highest temperature ever confirmed for Europe was recorded in Athens on July 10, 1977, with 48 degrees Celsius.