Sunbathing In The Arctic Region? A Heat Wave Hits Siberia
According to The Siberian Times, temperatures of 32 degrees Celsius, or 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit, were recorded in the Siberian city of Norilsk on July 21.
The average temperature in July in the region is 13.6 C, or 56.48 F according to the Huffington Post.
According to the report, weather historian Christopher C. Burt explains on the website Weather Underground that the entire Russian Arctic region has seen warm weather as of late.
Burt adds that Norilsk has seen its warmest nights in recent days — some 20.2 C, or 68.26 F — and that wildfires have erupted in the region.
“The blog Weather In Siberia notes that the month of July has shown extremely fluctuating temperatures. While the website describes the record temperatures of recent days, it also says that July 1 this year was the coldest measured in many years.”
The Weather Channel reports that temperatures of -60 F (-51 C) are no exception in winter in Siberia, making it one of the coldest inhabited places on earth.
According to the Huffington post, the heat could bring bad news for firefighter in the region.
NASA explains that once the snow melts, the remote region is very susceptible to wildfires. According to Russia Beyond The Headlines, 900 specialists are currently fighting several fires that are already raging in the area.
Here in the US, the Satus Pass fire has made news for reportedly destroying more than 4,000 acres as hundreds of firefighters try to stop a blaze described as “extreme,” according to The Inquisitr.
The fire started on the Yakama Nation reservation in Washington, burning through trees in lower elevations while it sparked grass and shrubs in higher elevations. On Friday the fire spread quickly, affecting roads and growing at an unpredictable pace due to the rugged terrain.
“In the areas where the fire is burning the winds are very erratic because of the topography,” said Mark Grassel, a spokesman for the state Department of Natural Resources.
For many locals of the Norilsk area, wildfires don’t seem to be on their minds.
Many have brought out their swimsuits, and or bought swimsuits specifically for the heatwave in the area.
“I’ve never worn a bikini before in Norilsk, just to top up my tan,” said Polina, 21, according to The Siberian Times.
Forecasters have said that the heat wave in Siberia is likely to last at least until July 26.
[Image via The Siberian Times]
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http://www.inquisitr.com/873052/sunbathing-in-the-arctic-region-a-heat-wave-hits-siberia/