Buzz
Siberia's latest heatwave has peaked at an unprecedented 100.4°F, a figure awaiting confirmation by the World Meteorological Organization.
Should this be verified, it would mark the highest temperature ever documented north of the Arctic Circle, which begins at 66.5°N. As reported by CBS News, this occurred in Verkhoyansk, a small town situated at 67.5°N—approximately 3000 miles east of Moscow—renowned for its icy winters. For instance, last November, temperatures plunged to over 50 degrees below 0°F.
While Verkhoyansk warms up significantly in summer, its typical June temperatures average around 68°F, much cooler than the recent spike locals have endured (and will likely face for another week or so). This unusual heat is due to a meteorological phenomenon called a 'heat dome,' where a high-pressure ridge traps hot air near the surface, preventing it from rising and spreading, leading to extreme heat.
The unusually high temperatures aren't confined to a single location or weather event. Since December, Western Siberia has consistently experienced above-average warmth, and this prolonged heatwave is causing more harm than just tarnishing its status as one of the coldest areas on the planet. As highlighted by The Washington Post, the rising heat has led to permafrost thawing, a catastrophic oil spill, and an aggressive surge in wildfires. The Arctic's escalating temperatures are partly a result of burning fossil fuels, which emit greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere.
To put it simply, although Verkhoyansk reached 100°F over the weekend due to a heat dome, the primary driver behind such extremes is climate change.
