Unprecedented Heat Wave in Northwest Russia

Some of the earliest temperatures above 30°C ever observed in this part of the Arctic have been measured in recent weeks, with the town Nizhnyaya Pesha just above the Arctic Circle reaching 30.5°C on May 19, and the city of Nar’Jan-Mar at 67.6°N reaching 31.7°C (nearly 90°F) on May 20. While this region is known for being subjected to strong temperature shifts, the temperatures recorded here are 20 to 24°C (36/43°F) higher than the average for this time of year. This early heat wave has already kicked off a number of wildfires in the region. This temperature anomaly is a reminder that the Arctic is now warming 3 times faster than the globe (per the AMAP Assessment released last week). This directly affects the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events, further amplifying consequences felt across the globe.

https://twitter.com/ScottDuncanWX/status/1395093690104827910

Pam Pearson

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