Scorching heat: warnings in Hungary and new global record

The average global temperature has hit a new record. And the heat wave is here to stay in Hungary. Most parts of the country are already under heat warnings.

Warnings in Hungary

According to Index, on Monday, the National Meteorological Service issued a warning for 14 counties in Hungary due to high daily average temperatures. By the afternoon, temperatures could reach between 30 and 36 Celsius degrees. Doctors are warning everyone about the high risk of sunstroke and heatstroke. Professionals suggest that during the heatwave (especially between 11 AM and 3 PM) people should stay in a cool place, in the shade and avoid physical work. Due to the heat, the body needs more water than usual, so it is important to keep proper hydration in mind. In addition to that, pay attention to the fact that extreme heat takes a toll even on a healthy individual, but young children, the elderly and people with cardiovascular diseases are at particular risk.

Global average heat record

Last week was the world’s hottest week since records broke. Following the hottest June ever, the WMO expects temperatures to rise further due to the El Niño phenomenon. The ocean surface temperatures have surged in the central and eastern Pacific for the first time in seven years. The previous record was smashed in 2016 during the previous El Niño. The global average temperature was 16.94 Celsius degrees. According to WMO, the effects of the current El Niño can be felt even is 2024. The new heat record is 17.24 Celsius degrees, recorded last Friday. Experts reckon that this is another sign of the global warming. Last month, global average temperatures were 0.5 Celsius degrees above the average for the period 1991–2020. Record highs were reported also in north-west Europe. Global sea surface temperatures hit record highs in both May and June this year. The Geneva-based organisation also warns of the impacts on fisheries and weather patterns. Antarctic sea ice has reached its lowest too, currently, it is below the average, at 17%. Omar Baddour, Coordinator of the Climate Data and Monitoring Activities at the World Meteorological Organization says:

The North Atlantic is one of the key drivers of extreme weather. With the warming of the Atlantic, there is an increasing likelihood of more hurricanes and tropical cyclones. North Atlantic Sea surface temperature is associated with heavy rain or drought in West Africa.