UK travellers who are planning a getaway to Turkey, Greece or Cyprus in the coming weeks could face sizzling temperatures. Some countries are still experiencing the heatwave which gripped Europe this summer.
Records for the hottest October day were broken in Antalya this weekend, when the mercury hit 41C, according to some weather stations, an increase of two degrees. This is the hottest October day in Turkey since 1930, according to meteorologist Yaser Turker, The Mirror reports.
He wrote: “Antalya experienced a historical day in terms of temperature. Antalya Airport experienced the hottest October day since 1930 with 41.2C (Central 40.4C) due to the blow-drying of the hot air coming from Africa and descending to the bay from N and NW. 41.2C is also Turkey's October record."
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The heatwave has hit a region which is one of the most popular with tourists in Turkey, with more than 10 million tourists landing at Antalya so far this year. October 1 was a particularly scorching day in the region, with Cyprus's Athalassa National Park clocking in just shy of 40C and Potamoi in Greece hitting 39.2C.
According to Arabia Weather, the temperature spike is the result of a wind descending from the tops of the Taurus mountains in a weather phenomenon called Fohn wind. While temperatures have cooled in the past two days to a more manageable 30C across Turkey's southern coast, the mercury's highpoint this weekend is a reminder of how relentless 2022's remains deep into the autumn.
Temperature records tumbled across Europe as thermometers topped 40C for the first time in the UK. In Portugal a breath-taking 47C was reached as wildfires ripped across the country, while the mercury stayed above 50C in Death Valley, USA for the first time ever.
Starting from the middle of June 2022, China has experienced in this summer the longest and strongest heatwave on record since the country established its national meteorological observations in 1961. The heatwave lasted for about 70 days, with temperatures in several provinces and dozens of cities surpassing 40C.
The longevity of the heatwave, and the fact it hit so many countries across the globe, underlined the alarming effect of man-made global warming. Many scientists warned that such temperatures - and the damage they can do to people and natural resources - will become increasingly common.
As half term approaches, Brits who are looking to make a last-minute getaway may either be alarmed or welcome the likely high heats. Although the temperatures will most likely drop by the time schools break-up in a fortnight, the seemingly relentless nature of the 2022 heatwave can't be ruled out.
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