How much longer to roast in the hellish sun and what to expect from the weather in August – weather forecasters’ explanation
15 July 2024 14:20
Ukrainians are currently experiencing a peak heatwave! The hottest spots are in the southern, eastern, Poltava, Dnipro and Kirovohrad regions. In some places, the heat will reach 40-41°. The Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Centre gave a forecast for Komersant ukrayinskyi
: when to expect cooler weather and whether this year’s heat wave can break the absolute maximum in Ukraine.
“This heat wave, which is in Ukraine, is its peak period. We expect a certain decrease in the heat, by 10 degrees or more, after 18 July. But the temperature drop will be very gradual.”
Natalia Ptukha, weather forecaster at the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Centre
As of 15 July, the absolute maximum for the territory of Ukraine has not been observed (42° in Luhansk region on 12 August 2010). But there are approximate figures. In particular, in Mykolaiv, on 10 July, the absolute maximum air temperature for the entire period of observation was exceeded. The extreme heat reached 40.5°C, according to the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Centre.
“We are currently recording record values every day. on 13 and 14 July, each weather station has records of maximum temperatures.”
Nataliia Ptukha, weather forecaster at the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Centre
Will August be hot?
Forecasters do not predict a heatwave for the whole summer, as the atmosphere in Ukraine is very mobile and the same weather temperature cannot last for long, explains weather forecaster Natalia Ptukha.
The Ukrhydrometeorological Centre added that the general trend in the world is that heatwaves will increase. Record highs are being recorded on different continents, even in the US along the West Coast.
Does the war in Ukraine affect the weather?
Military operations can have an impact on the environment and weather through several mechanisms.
- Emissions of chemical particles such as smoke, dust, and other pollutants. They can cause temporary temperature drops or changes in precipitation.
- Explosions and the combustion of munitions generate significant amounts of heat, which can affect local temperatures. However, this effect is usually localised and short-lived.
- Fires that can lead to significant emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. This, in turn, increases the greenhouse effect.
- Environmental consequences. Prolonged military operations can lead to long-term changes in natural ecosystems, which can have an indirect impact on climate and weather.
However, as the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Centre explains, research by scientists is needed to determine the impact of the fighting in Ukraine on the weather today. In particular, climatologists or specialists in applied meteorology. The general trend of heat is still linked to climate change.
Author: Anastasia Fedor
