Taiwan's capital Taipei sweltered under a scorching 39.7 °C (103.5 °F) on Friday afternoon, July 24, 2020, marking the city's hottest temperature since records began in 1896.
According to the Central Weather Bureau, the record-setting temperature was registered at 14:19 LT (06:19 UTC). The previous record for Taipei was 38.9 °C (102 °F), set just last month, June 29.
Friday's scorching temperature was caused by strong, high-pressure atmospheric conditions over the tropical Pacific Ocean, combined with impacts from southwestern winds from southern China, the weather bureau explained.
The heat is trapped in the Taipei basin under a dome, leading to heatwaves.
In addition, the bureau said Taiwan will likely have no typhoon in the month of July, for the first time in 70 years.
The country's hottest temperature was recorded in Taitung City on the east coast on May 9, 2004, at 40.2 °C (104.4 °F).
Today was the hottest day ever in Taipei at 39.7 degrees. The record breaking temperatures were hottest in the middle of the city. Out in Nangang it was only 36, didn’t feel much different than any other day. pic.twitter.com/lv5AoHMPG7
— Foreigners in Taiwan (@foreignersinTW) July 24, 2020
Featured image credit: 葉 正道 Ben/Flickr
Shallow M6.2 earthquake hits south of Africa
September 26, 2020
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.2 hit south of Africa at 17:10 UTC on September 26, 2020. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.2 at a depth of 2 km (1.2 miles). The epicenter was located about 1 645...
Strombolian activity at Mount Etna, Italy
September 21, 2020
Strombolian activity with sporadic ash emissions continues intermittently at Mount Etna's 'saddle crater' since around July 10, 2020. The image below shows strombolian activity at the newest crater, referred to as the 'cono della sella'...
Strong and shallow M6.9 earthquake hits central Mid-Atlantic Ridge
September 18, 2020
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.9 hit central Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 21:43 UTC on September 18, 2020. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.7 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). The epicenter was located...
At least 6 dead after days of heavy rains trigger flooding in Tunisia
September 15, 2020
At least six people lost their lives in deadly flooding after heavy rains fell for six days across Tunisia. Numerous regions in the country were hit by severe weather, from north to the east. Heavy rains began around September 5, drenching Kairouan with 88.9 mm (3.5...
200 000 people homeless after severe floods hit Far North, Cameroon
September 10, 2020
About 200 000 people remain homeless as of September 10, 2020, after severe floods struck the Far North Region of Cameroon. At least five fatalities have been reported, livestock and crops have been affected, and thousands of houses have been damaged or destroyed....
