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Tag: temperature

  • Global Temperature Records Shattered Worldwide in 2025

    Global Temperature Records Shattered Worldwide in 2025

    In 2025, Central Asia, the Sahel region, and northern Europe experienced their hottest year on record, based on data from the European Copernicus program analyzed by AFP. Over the past 12 months, the global temperature trend ranks as the third hottest year ever, trailing only 2024 and 2023, pending official confirmation in Copernicus’s upcoming annual report.

    This average temperature includes both land and ocean surfaces, but certain regional records tell a more alarming story. Due to limited climate data reporting from some developing nations, AFP supplemented the global picture by independently examining Copernicus data, satellite measurements from around 20 different sources, and weather station reports, covering worldwide hourly data since 1970.

    In 2025, a total of 120 monthly temperature records were broken across more than 70 countries. Notably:

    Central Asia saw every nation surpass its previous annual temperature records. Tajikistan, a landlocked and mountainous country where only 41% of the population has access to safe drinking water, experienced the highest abnormal temperatures globally — over 3°C above historical seasonal averages from 1981 to 2010. Monthly temperature records there have been broken every month since May, except November. Nearby countries like Kazakhstan, Iran, and Uzbekistan faced temperatures 2°C to 3°C higher than typical seasonal levels.

    The Sahel and West Africa regions registered temperature increases between 0.7°C and 1.5°C above seasonal norms. Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Chad experienced some of their hottest months ever, with Nigeria recording its hottest year on record and other nations ranking among the top four hottest in history. Experts from the World Weather Attribution network state that extreme heat events have become nearly ten times more likely since 2015, emphasizing the role of climate change. These vulnerable nations, already battling conflict, food insecurity, and poverty, are on the frontline of rising temperatures.

    Europe faced a scorching summer, with about ten countries nearing or setting new annual temperature records. Switzerland and Balkan nations saw summer temperatures spike 2°C to 3°C above average. Spain, Portugal, and the UK endured their worst summers on record, sparking massive wildfires. The UK’s driest spring in over a century contributed to water shortages. While northern Europe avoided the June heatwave, it experienced unusually warm autumns, making 2025 one of the two warmest years on record in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland.

  • France Braces for Record Heat as Europe Endures Heatwave

    France Braces for Record Heat as Europe Endures Heatwave

    Heatwave Grips Paris and Europe: Safety Measures in Place

    PARIS: On Tuesday, Paris was placed under red alert due to soaring temperatures, leading to the closure of the Eiffel Tower’s summit, a ban on highly polluting vehicles, and speed limits on certain roads, all in response to a punishing heatwave affecting much of Europe.

    From the Iberian Peninsula to Italy and the Balkans, Mediterranean nations have been experiencing extreme heat for several days, prompting health advisories and warnings about elevated wildfire risks. Experts indicate that climate change, largely driven by human activity, is intensifying the frequency and severity of these heat events.

    According to Meteo France, temperatures were expected to peak on Tuesday, with the highest heat alerts in place across 16 departments. An additional 68 areas were under a secondary alert level. The agency forecasted minimum temperatures between 68-75 degrees Fahrenheit and maximums soaring from 97 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, with isolated peaks possibly reaching 106 degrees.

    In response to the heat, the operators of the Eiffel Tower decided to close the top section of the landmark, which towers at 1,083 feet, starting Monday at 11:00 AM GMT and continuing through Wednesday. While the first and second levels remain accessible, officials advised visitors to take precautions against sun exposure and to stay hydrated; water fountains are available on the paths leading to the esplanade.

    Moreover, in the Ile-de-France region, which encompasses Paris, police announced a ban on all but the least polluting vehicles from 3:30 AM to 10:00 PM due to high levels of ground-level ozone. Speed limits of 12.5 miles per hour will also be enforced in some areas.

    Across the nation, the government indicated that nearly 1,350 schools might be partially or entirely closed—almost double the number from Monday—amid concerns from teachers regarding overheated and poorly ventilated classrooms which can affect student well-being. Vulnerable populations, including young children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic health issues, have been warned to take extra care during the heatwave.

    "Heatwaves can be lethal," cautioned Akshay Deoras, a research scientist from the National Centre for Atmospheric Science and the Department of Meteorology at the University of Reading. "Extreme heat should be treated with the same urgency we apply to dangerous storms."

    Cloud Phenomenon in Portugal

    Portugal experienced a slight reprieve on Tuesday after two days of red alerts across multiple regions, including Lisbon, but orange alerts remained active in all but eight inland areas. Despite this, temperatures in the central city of Castelo Branco, Beja, and Evora could still reach 104 degrees Fahrenheit, with the capital expected to reach around 93 degrees Fahrenheit.

    The national meteorological agency, IPMA, reported an unusual "roll cloud" event, which made its way from the horizon toward northern and central coastal areas on Monday, accompanied by powerful gusts of wind. Swimmers described the atmospheric change as eerie, likening the sudden shift to a tsunami.

    Spain is bracing for similar hot temperatures, with forecasts predicting highs in the upper 90s to mid-100s Fahrenheit after recording a staggering 115 degrees in the south—setting a record for June in the country.

    In Italy, red alerts have been issued for 18 cities, including Rome and Milan, as the heatwave spreads. The country also faced flash flooding in the northern region of Piedmont due to heavy rains, resulting in one fatality.

    The Mediterranean Sea recorded an exceptionally high temperature of 78.1 degrees Fahrenheit this past Sunday, according to scientist Thibault Guinaldo from French weather services.

    The risk of wildfires remains elevated in various Portuguese regions. As of Monday evening, around 250 firefighters battled blazes in Aljustrel. In Turkey, over 50,000 residents were evacuated due to ongoing wildfires, primarily in the Izmir province, which was fueled by winds reaching 75 miles per hour. Greece is also struggling with wildfire outbreaks.

    As these extreme weather conditions continue to unfold, the safety and well-being of the public remain the top priority across affected regions.

  • UAE Sets Record with Scorching 50.4°C in May

    UAE Sets Record with Scorching 50.4°C in May

    A thermometer showing 50°C. — AFP

    On Friday, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) experienced a blistering high of 50.4 degrees Celsius, marking the hottest May temperature ever recorded. This extreme heat follows an ongoing wave of soaring temperatures in a nation particularly at risk from climate change.

    Participants of Friday prayers reported feelings of lightheadedness, and some appeared unstable on their feet, even in a country known for its extreme heat.

    The peak temperature was registered in an area of Abu Dhabi, the capital of this oil-rich Gulf nation, situated in one of the hottest regions on Earth.

    “The heat today was absolutely unbearable,” remarked a 26-year-old resident of Abu Dhabi, who arrived late at the mosque and had to pray outside. “I was soaked in sweat by the time the prayers ended, feeling as if I might faint,” he added, opting to remain anonymous.

    The measured high of 50.4°C (122.7°F) is unprecedented for May since record-keeping began in 2003, exceeding the previous record of 50.2°C set in 2009, according to the National Center of Meteorology as reported by AFP.

    The UAE, one of the largest oil exporters globally and the host of the COP28 climate talks this year, just wrapped up a record-setting April with an average daily high of 42.6 degrees Celsius.

    ‘Swaying Right and Left’

    The NMC urged residents to take precautions, recommending they stay out of direct sunlight, stay hydrated, wear suitable clothing, and apply sunscreen.

    This extreme heat was compounded by humidity levels reaching up to 80% in some parts of Abu Dhabi.

    “I actually saw someone swaying back and forth before he had to stop at the side of the road,” said Muhammad Juma, a 31-year-old marketing professional based in Dubai. “Honestly, it’s a scary situation for people,” he emphasized.

    Youssef, 45, who operates hot air balloons for tourists in Dubai, stated that the “stifling” conditions left him feeling “completely incapacitated”.

    “The main issue is the humidity. The air feels devoid of oxygen,” he added, opting not to share his last name.

    Scientists have established that frequent heatwaves serve as a clear indicator of global warming, which is predicted to become more frequent, prolonged, and severe. In the last 30 years, the count of extremely hot days has nearly doubled worldwide.

    Outdoor workers in Arab nations endure some of the highest levels of heat stress globally, with a staggering 83.6% facing excessive heat exposure on the job, according to a 2024 report from the International Labour Organization, part of the United Nations.

    The dangers of a warming planet were evident last June when more than 1,300 individuals died during the Hajj pilgrimage in neighboring Saudi Arabia, as per official figures, most of whom were unauthorized pilgrims subjected to prolonged outdoor exposure.

    According to a 2022 Greenpeace study, the Middle East is at heightened risk for water and food shortages, as well as severe heatwaves, due to climate change. The report highlighted six countries, including the UAE, and indicated that the region is warming nearly twice as fast as the global average, rendering its food and water resources “extremely vulnerable” to climate change.

  • Adjusting Room Temperature in Two Point Museum: A Guide

    Adjusting Room Temperature in Two Point Museum: A Guide

    Without exhibits, a museum loses its essence. In the aptly named Two Point Museum, that’s exactly what you’ll be managing. Whether you’re diving into Campaign mode or experimenting in Sandbox mode, your mission entails setting up various museums and populating them with unique exhibits.

    You’ll discover all kinds of treasures; from dinosaur bones and fossils to extraterrestrial artifacts, you have the freedom to place them wherever you like. Like in the real world, your exhibits require specific conditions to remain in good shape, especially if they are living specimens. It’s essential to maintain appropriate temperatures to avoid decay or deterioration.

    Caring for Your Exhibits

    As time passes, your exhibits will gradually lose one of four key stats: Grubbiness, Iciness, Health, and Maintenance. Each of these stats is represented by a meter ranging from 0 to 100. As these meters decline, various negative outcomes will emerge based on the specific stat in question.

    Meter Overview

    Meter Type Exhibits That Use It Consequences of a Low Meter
    Grubbiness Prehistory, Science, Marine Exhibits will lose their allure, eventually resulting in no interest.
    Iciness Frozen Finds Exhibits risk melting and may become damaged beyond repair.
    Health Botany, Aquarium (Marine) Exhibits may become ill and, if neglected, will die.
    Maintenance Space Exhibits may experience malfunction, posing potential fire hazards.

    If any stat falls below 70%, you face increased risks for your exhibits, your museum, or both. To mitigate these risks, having Experts for each exhibit type is crucial.

    Tip: Match the Expert’s specialization to the type of exhibit. Experts can only address the needs of the exhibits that align with their expertise.

    Experts will regularly tend to your exhibits, but if your museum has numerous exhibits and few Experts, you may need to check in manually and request restorations.

    To clean or restore an exhibit, you can either select it directly or utilize the Exhibit List option in the menu. Doing this will allow you to call on an Expert to take care of it promptly. It’s wise to stay vigilant, as even with automatic cleaning, you should keep an eye on the condition of your exhibits. If you notice that an exhibit’s meters are dropping too quickly, consider adjusting its climate for better stability.

    Understanding Exhibit Climate

    Each type of exhibit has a preferred climate for optimal performance. For example, Botany exhibits thrive best in Hot Climates. Changing a room’s climate involves adjusting the temperature in that area. You can view the Temperature Visualization through the menu to monitor different climate zones.

    Initially, every museum area has a Neutral Climate. To alter it, you must install specific machines that can modify the climate characteristics accordingly.

    Note: If you choose to remove a climate-altering machine, the area will revert to a slightly dry climate instead of a neutral one.

    Climate Types and Their Requirements

    Climate Type Temperature Needed Machinery Needed Preferred Exhibits
    Neutral Climate None None Prehistory, Supernatural, Space, Science
    Dry Climate Dry Dehumidifier, Small Dehumidifier, Wall Dehumidifier Prehistory
    Cold Climate Cold Freezer, Small Freezer, Wall Freezer Frozen Finds
    Hot Climate Hot Heater, Small Heater, Wall Heater, Botanical Heater Botany
    Humid Climate Humid Mister, Small Mister, Wall Mister, Botanical Mister Botany

    Keeping Dry Climate Exhibits

    Dry Climate Exhibits primarily encompass items from the Prehistory category, including fossils and dinosaur remains. These exhibits have a Grubbiness Meter, indicating that the surrounding area must remain completely dry. They cannot be placed near any machines that alter the climate, except for the Dehumidifier, which is specifically designed for dry conditions.

    Having this machine within the vicinity will not only convert the climate from Neutral to Dry but can also reduce the rate of Grubbiness decline by about 10%, allowing your prehistory experts more time to focus on other tasks.

    Maintaining Cold Climate Exhibits

    Cold Climate Exhibits primarily consist of items from the Frozen Finds category. Unlike others, these exhibits rely on an Iciness Meter. Surrounding areas must have a Cold Temperature maintained by at least one freezer unit. If these conditions aren’t met, your exhibits may quickly deteriorate.

    Bonus: Allowing certain Frozen Finds to melt can trigger a fun Easter egg, leading to an achievement.

    To prevent your Frozen Finds from deteriorating, keep nearby freezers over 50% operational to maintain the Iciness Meter effectively.

    Maintaining Hot and Humid Climate Exhibits

    While separate, most exhibits that require a Hot Climate, such as Botany ones, also need a Humid Climate to thrive. Ensure that the surrounding area is equipped with heat-pumping machines like heaters, and humidity-generating machines like misters. In most cases, exhibits need both heating and humidity to stay healthy, making multiple machines beneficial.

    These machines require regular maintenance from a Janitor, while an Expert should periodically tend to any exhibits requiring water or restoration, such as the vibrant Man-Eating Plants in the Botany category.

    Managing Aquatic Exhibits

    Aquatic exhibits have specific climate needs and often require unique water-based settings. Most start with a Temperate Climate, suited for temperate fish. However, various fish types, like the Lionhead, may require Tropical or Cold-water Climates.

    Adjusting any aquarium climate involves placing a Water Heater or Coldwater Cooler inside it. Typically, you only need one machine for each aquarium, unless it’s exceptionally large.

    For maintenance, a Marine Expert will be necessary since only they can service the equipment within the aquariums.

    With the right care and adjustments, your museums can be vibrant spaces full of life and learning. Embrace your role as a curator and create an engaging environment for visitors to explore.