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China Records Hottest Temperature in History
In a scorching heatwave that has swept across China this summer, the temperatures in the country’s arid northwest reached a record-breaking high of almost 126 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday. The township of Sanbao in Xinjiang Province surpassed the previous local and national record of approximately 123 degrees set in 2017. The extreme heat, which has affected over 900 million people in China, has strained the power supply and led to a rise in heatstroke- and other heat-related deaths. The government has cautioned against unnecessary outdoor activities as the heatwave shows no sign of relenting.
Heatwave Expected to Expand in the U.S.
The National Weather Service has forecasted that the heatwave currently gripping the Western United States will expand and intensify further in the coming days. The upper-level ridge of high pressure responsible for the extreme temperatures will move Northwest, expanding across states such as Texas, the Four Corners region, and South Florida. The Desert Southwest and parts of Texas will experience triple-digit temperatures, while the Gulf Coast and Mid-South will see highs in the mid-upper 90s along with heat indices between 105-115°F. Excessive Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories are still in effect across various regions, including the Southwest and South Florida.
Europe Braces for Potentially Record-Breaking Temperatures
A major heatwave has descended upon several European countries, including Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and Poland. Meteorologists are predicting that temperatures could reach as high as 118.4 degrees Fahrenheit on the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, potentially breaking the previous European record of 48.8°C set in 2021. Italy has already issued red alerts for 16 cities, as meteorologists warn of record-breaking highs in southern Europe in the coming days. The European Space Agency has identified this heatwave as a significant event and is closely monitoring temperature records in the region.
John Kerry in Beijing to Discuss Climate Change
U.S. climate envoy John Kerry has arrived in Beijing for discussions with Chinese officials on how the world’s two largest greenhouse gas emitters can collaborate in the fight against climate change. During his visit, temperatures in China’s northwest soared to record-breaking levels. Kerry expressed hope for taking significant steps towards addressing the global climate crisis. The meetings with Chinese counterparts will cover topics like reducing emissions from methane and coal-fired power plants, as well as preparations for the COP28 global climate talks later this year in Dubai. This visit marks the first formal top-level climate diplomacy between the U.S. and China since talks were suspended last year.
Intense Heatwave Affects Various Countries
While parts of the Southern United States continue to experience a relentless heatwave, countries worldwide are grappling with extreme temperatures. Record-breaking heat is expected to persist at the start of the week in the Four Corners states, Texas, the Lower Mississippi Valley, and South Florida. Europe, Asia, and other regions are also facing potentially record-breaking temperatures. The global heatwaves have resulted in a range of effects, including strain on power supplies, health risks, and warnings against outdoor activities.
