A recent analysis by Al Jazeera of climate data gathered over the past 20 years from more than 1,200 cities worldwide has revealed some alarming trends in rising temperatures. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information (NOAA), June 2024 was the hottest June on record since global record-keeping began in 1850, marking the 13th consecutive month of breaking global heat records.
The data shows that heatwaves have become more frequent, with cities experiencing more days above 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). From 2004 to 2023, Al Jazeera found that 585 cities recorded temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, with 19 cities reaching at least 50 degrees Celsius. The hottest temperatures were consistently recorded in just five cities across four Middle Eastern countries – Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.
Cities located along the Tropic of Cancer, close to sea level in desert regions, have seen the highest temperatures. For example, Ahvaz in Iran has recorded temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius seven times in the past 20 years, while Basra in Iraq reached a scorching 53 degrees Celsius in 2022. It is important to note that these figures are recorded in the shade, meaning that actual temperatures may be even higher.
Cities that regularly experience extreme heat include Basra with at least 129 days above 50 degrees Celsius, Ahvaz with 84 days, and Jahra in Kuwait with 83 days. The data also provides insight into each city’s temperature signature, showing how many days per year temperatures fall within different ranges.
The analysis serves as a sobering reminder of the impact of climate change on global temperatures and the urgent need for action to mitigate its effects. Explore the data from more than 1,200 cities to see how your city’s temperatures compare.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com