Siberia’s triple-digit heat wave and wildfires are a glimpse into the future of the Arctic
The Arctic is continuing to swelter in a heat wave, as temperatures around the Arctic Ocean this week top 93 degrees Fahrenheit.
Extremely hot again on the fringe of the Arctic Ocean.
An astonishing + 34 °C has just been recorded at a latitude of 73 °N today in Russia. This is about + 20-25 °C warmer than normal.
Note how much open water there is compared to normal. Sea ice is taking a hit. pic.twitter.com/y0w5PLjkHx
— Scott From Scotland (@ScottDuncanWX) June 30, 2020
The recent heat follows an even more stunning data point: Last month, Verkhoyansk, Russia, hit a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Researchers are still working to confirm the result, which may be recognized as a record high for the Arctic Circle. This is a town that holds the record for the coldest temperature above the Arctic Circle, -90 degrees Fahrenheit in 1892.
“That is a fantastical degree,” said Roman Vilfand, head of Russia’s weather service, during a press conference this week. Continue reading.