WMO Expects Higher-than-normal Temperatures in Mediterranean Region

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) predicted higher-than-normal temperatures in the Mediterranean region for at least the next two weeks, with weekly temperatures up to 5 degrees Celsius above the long-term average.

The organization indicated in a report issued today, Friday, in Geneva, according to its Regional Climate Center for Europe, that extreme heat may sweep large parts of the northern hemisphere, while heavy rains cause devastating floods and loss of life in several other regions.

The report pointed out that June witnessed the highest average global temperatures on record and continued until the first half of July, according to preliminary data.

The WMO warned that extreme weather, which is increasingly recurring, has a significant impact on human health, ecosystems, the economy, agriculture, and energy and water supplies.

Professor Ytre Talas, Secretary General of the WMO said that this underscores the growing urgency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as quickly and deeply as possible.

Alvaro Silva, an official in the WMO's Climate Services Division, revealed that about half of Europe's population could face a high or very high risk of heat stress in summer by 2050.