Mediterranean temperatures impact average figures.
Recently, the Mediterranean region has been experiencing extreme heat that has raised concerns among locals and tourists. The record-breaking temperatures, which have hit 40-45 degrees in areas like Greece and Turkey, are coming earlier each year.
Although summer is just starting, it's already at its peak in Southern Europe. In fact, by the end of May, Spain was already experiencing temperatures of 40 degrees. Then, in early June, Turkey saw temperatures that reached similar levels. Since then, Greece has been dealing with highs of 35 degrees or more nearly every day. Now, it's already hitting 40 degrees - much earlier than usual and with records being set.
Things are expected to get even hotter later in the week, with temperatures in the eastern Mediterranean averaging around 40-45 degrees. This is 10-15 degrees above the 1961-1990 climate average, meaning many records could potentially be broken. Nighttime temperatures are also becoming dangerously warm. The densely populated city regions are unlikely to experience temperatures below 30 degrees at night. The hottest temperature ever recorded in Europe was 48.8 degrees, in Sicily.
In response to the extreme heat, schools in Greece have been closed, and people are being urged by the Labor Ministry to work from home. Delivery services for pizzas and other products have been banned from noon to 5 pm. The tourist attraction Acropolis has even been asked by the Culture Ministry to close during the hottest hours of the day.
This summer may be particularly difficult around the Mediterranean. With the high heat already here, Africa is expecting temperatures nearing 50 degrees. The water in the Mediterranean is still warm and isn't providing much relief. There's also a high likelihood of temperatures reaching 40 degrees in the coming weeks.
Beyond this, the European long-term model predicts a long-lasting heat wave continuing into August, affecting the entire Mediterranean region. Drought and forest fires are also predicted, making the situation more dire. However, the American National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting warmer-than-average summer months but not as extreme as the current heat wave. At least there is a small bit of hope.
In 2023, many regions around the Mediterranean faced a historic heat wave, with temperatures of 40 degrees and above becoming common, from Spain to Turkey. Although a new record for the highest temperature in Europe has yet to be set, the duration of the weather event was unprecedented. Whether 2024 will see a similar situation remains to be seen.
