Climate change in Europe

Bulgaria witnessed a climatic milestone in 2023, marking the warmest year since 1930, as detailed in a preliminary estimate by the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH). With an average annual temperature of 12.9C, this record-breaking warmth surpassed the previous high of 2019 by approximately 0.4C.

Bulgaria is set to experience mostly sunny weather on December 19, with temporary low visibility expected in valleys and lowlands. A moderate south-southwesterly wind will blow throughout the day, offering a mix of temperatures across the regions.

This year will be the hottest in recorded history after an "extraordinary" November became the sixth record-breaking month in a row, Europe's climate monitor said yesterday, piling pressure on the COP28 talks to act on climate change.

October was Greece's warmest since 2010, according to the National Observatory of Athens.

The average maximum daily temperatures were very high compared to the average for the period 2010-19, according to the network of 51 meteorological stations that have been operating since 2010.

Almost the entire world's population experienced warmer temperatures from June to August as a result of human-induced climate change, according to a research report published late on Thursday and cited by Reuters.

High temperatures are expected to prevail across Greece over the next 10 days, according to the latest forecasts by the National Observatory of Athens' Meteo weather service.

The persistence of warm air masses over the Eastern Mediterranean are cited as the main cause. These air masses will be 2 to 5 degrees Celsius warmer than typical for the season, according to current data.

A view of the Madeira River amid the drought in Porto Velho in the state of Rondonia, Brazil. With a heatwave in the southern hemisphere and record ocean temperatures, the ominous signs of climate change continue. This year, the Earth's surface registered the hottest temperature in history, exceeding centuries-old records in numerous regions.

With temperatures rising and heatwaves gripping Türkiye along the rest of the world, the environment minister has warned citizens to exercise caution against extreme heat, especially during the hottest hours of the day, after the weather bureau revealed its weekly forecast.

The return to temperatures in the 40s Celsius in the next few days and the longer-term forecasts for August, indicate a pattern of above-average temperatures for the month. August is expected to have temperatures up to six degrees (in terms of maximum) higher than the recent average, according to monthly projections, which however lack the precision of shorter-term statements.

The 15-day heat wave that ended on Wednesday evening, July 26, was the longest one recorded in the country, the National Observatory of Athens' weather service Meteo.gr has said.

The heat wave comprised three phases: from July 12 to 15, from July 18 to 23 and from July 23 to 26.