When we think of extreme heat, visions of arid deserts, parched landscapes, and relentless sun immediately come to mind. While many places on Earth experience scorching t

When we think of extreme heat, visions of arid deserts, parched landscapes, and relentless sun immediately come to mind. While many places on Earth experience scorching temperatures, only a few hold the records for being the hottest. These regions are not just hot; they are furnaces where the heat can be unbearable, even deadly. In this article, we will explore some of the hottest places on Earth and delve into the meteorological phenomena that make these locations so extreme

When we think of extreme heat, visions of arid deserts, parched landscapes, and relentless sun immediately come to mind. While many places on Earth experience scorching temperatures, only a few hold the records for being the hottest. These regions are not just hot; they are furnaces where the heat can be unbearable, even deadly. In this article, we will explore some of the hottest places on Earth and delve into the meteorological phenomena that make these locations so extreme.

## Measuring extreme temperatures
Temperature is typically measured using thermometers placed in standardized shelters to protect them from direct sunlight, allowing for more accurate readings of air temperature. Surface temperatures, however, can be much higher and are often recorded via satellite or ground measurements. This makes comparing temperatures challenging, as older records may not be as reliable as modern data due to inconsistencies in measurement methods. Despite these challenges, certain locations have consistently recorded extreme temperatures that place them among the hottest on Earth.

## 6. Ahvaz, Iran
**Highest temperature:** 53.7°C (129°F) in 2017

Ahvaz, a city in southwestern Iran, is known for its extreme temperatures. The city is also home to the stunning White Bridge (Pol-e Sefid), an iconic landmark that spans the Karun River and is illuminated beautifully at night.

<figure>

![The White Bridge in Ahvaz, Iran. Image by Sajjadsoroosh](	https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-weather/5278294/itFfLNNrYotrKHDyXkLK/orig)

The White Bridge in Ahvaz, Iran. Image by Sajjadsoroosh
<figcaption>
</figcaption>
</figure>

### Factors contributing to Ahvaz’s heat
* Ahvaz is located near the Lut Desert, contributing to the high temperatures.
* Urban heat island effect: The urban environment of Ahvaz can further amplify temperatures due to the heat retention of buildings and pavement.

## 5. Mitribah, Kuwait
**Highest temperature:** 54°C (129.2°F) in 2016

Mitribah, a remote area in Kuwait, recorded one of the highest temperatures on Earth.

<figure>

![The skyline of Al Kuwayt, the capital of Kuwait. Image by SenuScape](https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-weather/5278294/XilrhbcxRXZUvsMlhIUx/orig)

The skyline of Al Kuwayt, the capital of Kuwait. Image by SenuScape
<figcaption>
</figcaption>
</figure>

### Factors contributing to Mitribah’s heat
* Desert environment: Mitribah is situated in a desert climate with extreme heat and minimal precipitation.
* High-pressure systems: Persistent high-pressure systems in the region contribute to clear skies and prolonged sunshine.
## 4. Dallol, Ethiopia
**Average daily temperatures:** Exceed 40°C (104°F) with highs approaching 48.9°C (120°F)

Dallol, located in the Danakil Depression in Ethiopia, is one of the hottest inhabited places on Earth. Dallol is known for its otherworldly landscape, including colorful hydrothermal deposits and acidic hot springs, making it a popular site for adventurous travelers.
<figure>

![The Dallol volcano. Image by A. Savin](https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-weather/5278294/nJRMZuoZAegKpTkGryXS/orig)

The Dallol volcano. Image by A. Savin
<figcaption>
</figcaption>
</figure>

### Factors contributing to Dallol’s heat
* Geothermal activity: The region’s geothermal activity contributes to the high temperatures.
* Desert climate: The arid climate exacerbates the heat.
## 3. Sahara Desert, North Africa
**Highest verified temperature:** 124.3°F (51.3°C) in 2018

The Sahara Desert, the world’s largest hot desert, spans several North African countries and experiences extreme heat, especially in the central regions. In El Azizia, Libya, a temperature of 57.8°C (136°F) was once recorded, though this measurement is disputed. Kebili, a desert town in Tunisia, is also known for recording one of the highest temperatures in Africa: in 1931, a temperature of 55°C (131°F) was reported, although this record is similarly considered less reliable than modern data. A much more verifiable record for the Sahara was set during the 2018 heat wave, measuring 51.3°C (124.3°F).

<figure>

![The Sahara Desert. Image by Greg Gulik](https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-weather/10879918/ONLBKnwUPQrccYNnfiSG/orig)

The Sahara Desert. Image by Greg Gulik
<figcaption>
</figcaption>
</figure>

### Meteorological dynamics in the Sahara
* High insolation: The Sahara receives some of the highest amounts of solar radiation on Earth.
* Arid climate: The dry conditions mean there is very little evaporation to cool the air, leading to high temperatures.
* Sand and rock composition: The sandy and rocky terrain absorbs and radiates heat efficiently.
## 2. Lut Desert, Iran
**Highest ground temperature:** 70.7°C (159.3°F) in 2005

The Lut Desert, or Dasht-e Lut, in southeastern Iran, is one of the hottest places on Earth in terms of surface temperature. According to NASA’s satellite data, this desert holds the record for the highest ground temperature ever recorded: an astonishing 159.3°F (70.7°C) in 2005. The Lut Desert is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its stunning geological formations, including the massive Yardangs — wind-carved ridges and grooves that stretch for miles.

<figure>

![Dasht-e Lut, an aerial view. Image by Ninaras](https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-weather/5278294/WwGnxaXhfLcMGKVGmaGM/orig)

Dasht-e Lut, an aerial view. Image by Ninaras
<figcaption>
</figcaption>
</figure>

### Meteorological factors in the Lut Desert
* Surface composition: The desert features dark lava surfaces, which absorb a significant amount of solar radiation, leading to extremely high surface temperatures.
* Dry air: The arid climate means there is very little moisture in the air to absorb heat, allowing surface temperatures to soar.
* Seasonal variations: During the summer months, the lack of vegetation and moisture leads to minimal cooling at night, keeping the temperatures high.
## 1. Death Valley, California, USA
**Highest air temperature:** 53.7°C (129°F) in 2017

Located in the Mojave Desert in eastern California, Death Valley is a place synonymous with extreme heat. Furnace Creek in Death Valley recorded the highest air temperature ever observed on our planet. While many records are hard to verify, Death Valley remains the undisputed hottest place on Earth.

<figure>

![Death Valley National Park. Image by Abby Kihano](https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-weather/5278294/xwjpvkdFcjrIKpIMUQRw/orig)

Death Valley National Park. Image by Abby Kihano
<figcaption>
</figcaption>
</figure>

### Why is Death Valley so hot?
* Geography and topography: Death Valley is a below-sea-level basin surrounded by high, steep mountain ranges. This topography contributes to a phenomenon known as a “rain shadow,” where mountains block the passage of rain-producing weather systems, leading to arid conditions.
* Albedo effect: The valley’s floor consists of light-colored salt flats, which reflect sunlight and intensify the heat.
* High-pressure systems: Persistent high-pressure systems often dominate the region, leading to clear skies and prolonged sunshine.

The hottest places on Earth are fascinating examples of how geography, atmospheric conditions, and human factors interact to create extreme environments. Understanding these factors not only satisfies our curiosity but also highlights the challenges faced by people living in these regions. As climate change continues to impact global weather patterns, we could see even more record-setting temperatures in these places as well as other parts of the world. Studying these hotspots provides valuable, actionable insights into the future of our planet’s climate.


The hottest places on Earth: Where the sun’s fury is unleashed

A fundamentally qualitative breakthrough in measuring air humidity occurred only 300 years after da Vinci's invention. The Swiss Horace Benedict de Saussure in 1783 by

Air humidity affects people's health and well-being, food shelf life, and a successful harvest, among other things.

It was in ancient China that people first started noticing the way humidity affects their environment. Over 3000 years ago, on the shores of the Yellow River, scholars of the Shang Dynasty's royal palace began to weigh bits of charcoal and handfuls of soil. They did that right after drying the material, and then again after letting it sit in the humid open air. They inscribed the results of their experiments on [tortoise shells](https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-1-4020-4425-0_8787). The objects changed mass, indicating humidity fluctuations in the surface air. This knowledge was a great help to merchants, builders, and all agricultural workers. 

Man of many talents
Later, Europeans also started to note the importance of humidity. The first engineer that tried to create a hygrometer (an instrument that measures air humidity) was [Leonardo da Vinci](ttps://weather.com/es-ES/espana/tiempo/news/2017-12-10-higrometro-humedad-temperatura), of course.



## Man of many talents
Later, Europeans also started to note the importance of humidity. The first engineer that tried to create a hygrometer (an instrument that measures air humidity) was [Leonardo da Vinci](https://weather.com/es-ES/espana/tiempo/news/2017-12-10-higrometro-humedad-temperatura), of course.


![Da Vinci's hygrometer drawing. Source: Codex Atlanticus: https://codex-atlanticus.it/#/Detail?detail=30](https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-weather/10931474/UMlqNjhloTmQNQmRBkco/orig)  

In late 15th century, he conducted experiments to study the compression and expansion of organic matter of different weight at different humidity levels. Finally, he came up with the idea of using a scale with two pans balanced against each other. He put a piece of waterproof beeswax on one pan and a permeable cotton ball on the other. When the humidity level changed, the cotton ball absorbed moisture from the air and grew heavier, [tipping the balance](https://www.meteored.com.ar/noticias/ciencia/leonardo-da-vinci-un-genio-que-tambien-aporto-a-la-meteorologia-higrometro-anemometro-invento.html). But such a hygrometer seriously lacked precision.

## Cherchez la femme rousse
A proper breakthrough in humidity measurement was only made 300 years after da Vinci's discovery. In 1783 in Switzerland, Horace Bénédict de Saussure invented a hygrometer that used... a human hair.

What makes hair useful? It's hygroscopic. In other words, it can absorb moisture and extend when the air gets more humid. In a more dry environment, hair shrinks back to its previous state. That happens because of keratin, which is the protein prevalent in the chemical composition of hair. The superpower of keratin is that it absorbs moisture from the environment. When the air is humid, hair begins to absorb the moisture, becomes heavier, changes structure, gets wavy and curly, and [extends](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bring-science-home-hair-hygrometer/).

So what did de Saussure come up with? He created a hair tension hygrometer. Basically, he took a human hair, attached a weight to it to create tension, and connected it to a scale with a pointer. Depending on the humidity, the hair would expand or contract, and you could see the changes on the scale.


![Saussure's hair hygrometer. Source: Museo Galileo  https://catalogue.museogalileo.it/gallery/SaussureHairHygrometer.html](https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-weather/10931474/avlYSgBcvfZxqCsiYNlU/orig)  

But not all hair is equally hygroscopic. Red hair is the most hygroscopic, because it's mostly made of pheomelanin, which doesn't really protect the hair from damage, makes it highly porous, and causes it to [absorb moisture quickly](https://www.news-medical.net/health/Genetics-of-Hair-Color.aspx). The type of red hair that's the most sensitive to humidity changes is women's hair. Genetically, it's the least dense type of hair.

Of course, de Saussure and his successors didn't know such things 200 years ago. But experiments have shown that women's red hair is best suited to the purpose.

Meteorologists have been following this rule for dozens of years: if you want to create a high-quality hygrometer, cherchez la femme rousse (French for "look for a red-haired woman").

## A less poetic approach
Further on, meteorology developed in more prosaic ways. Horsehair, baleen, catgut (cattle intestines), and synthetic fiber began to be used in tension hygrometers. By the way, hair hygrometers were produced in the USSR right until its collapse, and people often used them at home. At the same time, scientists were developing condensation hygrometers. Those were used to measure relative humidity by determining the dew point, that is, the temperature at which the vapour in the atmosphere condenses into dew.

Then there were psychrometers, or two mercury thermometers with a wet and a dry bulb. Their temperature difference was used to measure the relative air humidity. Psychrometer readings provided [far more accurate information](https://www.britannica.com/science/hygrometer).

Many other types of hygrometers were invented in the 19th–20th centuries. Of course, it all culminated in the electronic hygrometer which is the most popular type of hygrometer today. 


Why did meteorologists in the past searched for hair of red-haired women?

In spite of the long history of weather forecasting, the accuracy of most modern methods leaves a lot to be desired. That’s why we’d looked at the available solutions, no

In spite of the long history of weather forecasting, the accuracy of most modern methods leaves a lot to be desired. That’s why we’d looked at the available solutions, noted their weak spots, and built Meteum — the most powerful forecasting platform to date.

Depending on who you ask, weather forecasting has been around for hundreds or even thousands of years. Having an idea of whether it rains on a particular day is endlessly convenient, yes — but it’s also hard to overstate the importance of weather tech for many modern industries. Although it may seem that weather forecasting is solely a consumer-focused product, many businesses and government institutions depend on it, and an inaccurate forecast can easily cost millions.

In spite of the long history of weather forecasting, the accuracy of most modern methods leaves a lot to be desired. That’s why we’d looked at the available solutions, noted their weak spots, and built Meteum — the most powerful forecasting platform to date.

## Why Meteum?
 

We don’t collect someone else’s weather data only to relay it in a pretty package. Instead, we aggregate it from several providers, who themselves collect their data from a vast array of sources, such as weather balloons, aircrafts, satellites, on-ground stations, and radars. Then we let our models analyze this data to derive the ultimate forecasts, which we transmit to more than 50 million of our end-users.

Here’s how it works: Meteum parses a number of different forecasts — one conducted by our own team of meteorologists and the rest incoming from third-party providers. All of them are generated using various meteorological models, both proprietary and open-source. But no model is completely fail-safe, and the astounding volume of data we collect makes it practically impossible for humans to handle. The good news is that our own AI algorithms can find patterns by juxtaposing past forecasts with actual weather history and output the optimal combination where the forecasts all align with each other.

<figure>

![Источник: meteum//](https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-weather/10931474/IvsnTFWQtOsSzjOciqow/orig)

<figcaption>

Meteum. Weather forecasting technology 

</figcaption>

</figure>

In addition to AI-generated forecasts for the week, Meteum also provides precise information about precipitation expected within two hours, split into ten-minute intervals. This info is presented to users in map form; the app sends rain alerts when appropriate. The assessments are made with the help of machine learning, satellite imagery, and radar data. Meteum considers various factors, such as the height of the Sun above the horizon, humidity, and altitude.

 

## Introducing: User Reports
 

It’s no easy feat for a weather app to correctly reflect the conditions you see from the window: weather stations are typically sparsely located and follow a strict schedule when taking measurements. Conditions can vary drastically even within the same city: the Earth’s atmosphere is prone to unexpected shifts, which are insanely difficult to predict. It doesn’t help that seeing this stark contrast between a “perfectly clear” report on one’s phone screen and the raging downpour outside raises questions about the forecast’s reliability. But there is a way to display current weather: meteorology buffs refer to this as nowcasting. Meteum uses a mix of mathematical models and recent data from weather stations — but this alone doesn’t quite hit the accuracy mark we’re striving for.

That’s where we innovate: Meteum is the world’s first weather system to base its forecasts not only on measurements made with professional equipment but also on user reports. In our weather app, users can provide instant feedback: for instance, to confirm whether it’s still raining at their location. Every day, Meteum receives up to 3 million user reports from around the globe, and we use this feedback to generate a precipitation map that shows the rain zones with near-perfect accuracy. The reports are also used in training our algorithms to make future now- and forecasts even better.

We’ve come a long way with Meteum and now have a robust system capable of delivering remarkable forecasts — some of the most accurate you’ll find on the market.

But the sky’s the limit, and Meteum continues to improve, adding new data sources and perpetually collecting user reports to train our algorithms. With Meteum, you can weatherproof your decisions with state-of-the-art forecasting solutions tailored to your industry’s or your business’s needs. 



Meteum: weather forecasting technology with proprietary AI-based data processing core


Click this link to discover the essential characteristics of El Niño and La Niña. Understand the fundamental distinctions between these two climatic events.

Discover the essential characteristics of El Niño and La Niña. Understand the fundamental distinctions between these two climatic events.


The dance between El Niño and La Niña, two significant climatic phenomena, is all about the geographic distribution of heat: it shapes the weather patterns around the equatorial Pacific Ocean. El Niño emerges as a warming phase in the Eastern and Equatorial Pacific, while its counterpart, La Niña, brings anomalous heat to the Western and Tropical Pacific.

Together, they partake in a global rhythm that affects the Equatorial Pacific Ocean and extends its reach to the South American coastlines and the broader Pacific. This delicate equilibrium is pivotal to understanding the climatic intricacies that drive atmospheric circulation, forest fires, rainfall patterns, and even fish crop across our planet.

### What are El Niño and La Niña?

El Niño is characterized by the abnormal warming of ocean waters in the central and eastern Pacific, while La Niña is identified by the abnormal cooling of these same waters.

These irregular cycles are not just oceanic events; they resonate globally. Their influences extend far beyond their Pacific origin, dictating weather alterations across continents. The irregular nature of El Niño and La Niña means that they aren’t always in full swing: some years are actually free of anomalies. Nevertheless, recognizing the heating caused by El Niño and the cooling caused by La Niña is essential for predicting and understanding the vast array of meteorological impacts they induce.

### Characteristics of El Niño and La Niña

The defining traits of El Niño and La Niña, two formidable climatic phenomena, hinge on three key characteristics: 

- Duration
- Intensity
- Typical onset dates

El Niño episodes often present with elevated sea surface temperatures that persist for several months, manifesting an intensity that can alter global weather patterns. In contrast, La Niña is noted for a cooling phase that can endure beyond the span of a year, underscoring the formidable magnitude of its impact.

The initiation of these episodes follows a natural, yet unpredictable cadence, with El Niño typically beginning in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean around late spring of the Southern Hemisphere. La Niña, often following El Niño’s lead, tends to emerge during autumn. This rhythm of heating and cooling significantly influences seasonal weather patterns, from intensifying rainfall to prolonging droughts, demonstrating a powerful sway over the Earth’s atmospheric systems.

### Causes of El Niño and La Niña

Both El Niño and La Niña are deeply rooted in the dynamics of the Pacific Ocean and the Earth’s atmosphere, particularly through the interplay of trade winds, thermocline variations, and oceanic upwelling. Trade winds typically blow westward across the Tropical Pacific, piling up warm surface waters in the west and allowing cooler waters to rise near South America, a process known as upwelling. 
During El Niño, these winds weaken or may even reverse, reducing upwelling and causing a shallow thermocline, leading to an extensive warming of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. This shift in heat distribution disrupts the Walker circulation, a pattern of atmospheric circulation that normally sees air rising in the warm west and falling in the cooler east, thus impacting weather systems on a global scale. West Pacific is particularly impacted, manifesting in less precipitation in countries like Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines.
On the flip side, La Niña occurs when these trade winds strengthen beyond their normal intensity, enhancing the upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich waters along the equatorial Pacific. This process deepens the thermocline and expands the area of cooler water at the surface. The strengthened Walker circulation cells during La Niña can lead to drought in the Eastern Pacific and increased rainfall in the Western Pacific.


<figure> 

![Source: www.climate-science.press](https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-weather/10931474/TbIGvsjzeLKsqXslHvgk/orig)

<figcaption> 
Source: www.climate-science.press 
</figcaption>
</figure>

These complex interactions between the ocean and atmosphere during El Niño and La Niña episodes influence the local weather and trigger a cascade of effects that can alter global climate patterns. This includes shifts in jet streams, variations in storm tracks, and the distribution of heat and precipitation around the planet. As such, the study of these phenomena is crucial for forecasting weather and understanding the broader impacts on ecosystems, agriculture, water resources, and human societies.

### Effects and Consequences

El Niño and La Niña exert profound global impacts, yielding a range of consequences that touch every corner of the Earth. Their influence is most noticeable in altered temperatures and precipitation patterns, which go on to dictate not only the health of natural ecosystems but also the viability of human activities such as agriculture and fishing.

During El Niño, the warming of the Pacific Ocean can lead to increased rainfall in some regions while causing drought in others. In agricultural terms, this can result in decreased yields in drought-stricken areas, while potentially boosting growth where the rains are bountiful. However, too much rain can also be bad news for mountainous regions like Peru. The fishing industry also feels the impact, as warmer waters disrupt marine life’s food chains and habitats, often leading to poor catches.

Conversely, La Niña typically promotes cooler atmospheric conditions and increases the intensity and frequency of rainfall in places such as the Western Pacific and the Northeast of South America. This can benefit crops that depend on water, but excessive rainfall can also cause devastating floods that destroy crops and infrastructure. In the fishing industry, the cooler waters associated with La Niña can lead to an abundance of marine life in certain areas as nutrient-rich cold water rises to the surface.

The economic effects of these climatic events are significant. They can lead to fluctuations in commodity prices, influence energy demand, and require businesses to adapt their strategies to cope with the variable supply of raw materials and goods. The uncertainty and risk associated with El Niño and La Niña underscore the need for businesses to have access to accurate climate forecasts.

In light of these challenges, it is crucial for companies to stay informed and prepared. Understanding the potential business implications of these phenomena is key to mitigating risks and capitalizing on opportunities. For a deeper dive into how El Niño and La Niña could impact your business and for tailored strategies to navigate these meteorological challenges, contact us to book a consultation with our expert meteorologists at [Meteum. Weather Solutions for Business](meteum.ai/b2b). Our team can provide you with the insights and forecasts necessary to make informed decisions, protect your interests, and drive your business forward in any climate.

### El Niño and La Niña in Brazil

El Niño and La Niña distinctly mark their presence in Brazil, a country with a tapestry of climates and terrains. In Brazil, El Niño is often synonymous with drought in the Northeast and floods in the South. The scarcity of rain in the North hampers agriculture, strains water resources, and challenges daily life. Conversely, the South sees heavy rains, resulting in floods that overflow rivers, damage crops, and displace communities.

La Niña brings a contrasting touch to the Brazilian climate. It typically alleviates the dry conditions in the Northeast, offering some respite to the parched lands, yet it can also mean less rainfall for the South, occasionally leading to water shortages and impacting hydroelectric power generation.

With its economic hub São Paulo, the Southeast experiences irregular patterns during these periods, which can affect the region’s powerhouse status by influencing water supply and energy production. The ebb and flow of these phenomena underscore the need for regional resilience and adaptive strategies to weather the effects of these powerful climatic forces. Understanding these patterns is vital for Brazil's preparedness and response to the environmental and economic challenges posed by El Niño and La Niña.

### Conclusion

In conclusion, El Niño and La Niña serve as pivotal forces in the global climatic narrative, each with distinct characteristics, causes, and far-reaching effects. They orchestrate changes in weather patterns that extend well beyond their Pacific epicenter, influencing temperatures, precipitation, and the livelihoods of communities worldwide. 

As we unravel the complexities of these phenomena, we glean a deeper understanding of Earth’s intricate weather systems, equipping us to anticipate and respond to their profound environmental and socioeconomic impacts. Their study is not merely academic but a necessity for a world that must adapt to an ever-changing climatic stage.

### FAQ

### What are El Niño and La Niña?
El Niño and La Niña are climatic events characterized by significant temperature deviations in the Pacific Ocean, impacting global weather patterns.

### What is the El Niño effect?
The El Niño effect refers to the extensive warming of the Pacific Ocean waters, influencing atmospheric circulation and climate anomalies worldwide.

### How do El Niño and La Niña influence climate?
These phenomena alter global climate patterns, causing variations in precipitation and temperature, leading to extreme weather events across different continents.

### Which is better, El Niño or La Niña?
“Better” is subjective; each phenomenon has distinct impacts, with El Niño typically associated with warming and La Niña with cooling global weather patterns.


El Niño and La Niña: What They Are, Differences

Understanding UV Radiation and Protecting Against Its Hazards

Sunlight plays a crucial role in life on our planet; however, excessive exposure can lead to harmful consequences. To assess the level of UV radiation in a specific area and take precautionary measures, scientists have developed a special UV index. Here, we explain what it is and how to protect yourself from varying intensities of ultraviolet rays.
<figure>

 ![Source: thehealthjournals.com/](https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-weather/10931474/rRgujELJroruJUbFRTCo/orig)

<figcaption>
Source: thehealthjournals.com
</figcaption>
</figure> 

### The Power of Ultraviolet Radiation
Ultraviolet radiation greatly influences our biosphere. Sunlight aids in plant photosynthesis and helps humans produce essential Vitamin D. However, prolonged exposure to UV rays can pose health threats. Scientists categorize UV light based on its effects on living organisms:

— UV-A: The safest for skin, these rays have the longest wavelength and contribute to Vitamin D synthesis.

— UV-B: Medium wavelength rays that can cause sunburns and health complications.

— UV-C: The most harmful, capable of causing skin cancer and other severe illnesses.

The shorter the wavelength, the more intense the UV effect. Though UV-C has the shortest wavelength, Earth's atmosphere shields us from most of it.

UV radiation's strength and makeup depend on several factors, like latitude, time of day, altitude, cloud cover, and environmental conditions.

### Exposure: From Beaches to Cities
For the most UV protection, remain indoors during peak sun hours and venture out after sunset. While not feasible for most, especially summer vacationers, it's vital to gauge potential risks and have protective measures in place.

At the beach, the sea water reflects UV rays, amplifying their intensity. Unfortunately, many beachgoers expose significant skin areas, particularly dangerous in equatorial regions with high UV intensity.

High altitudes in the mountains are also UV-prone areas. As altitude increases, proximity to the sun reduces the time UV rays take to reach you. Moreover, snow and ice reflect sunlight, intensifying UV radiation.

Even if you're spending the summer in the city, hazards persist. UV rays can reflect off vehicles, roads, metallic structures, and large glass-paneled buildings. Wide city streets sometimes offer little shade, posing direct exposure threats.
<figure>

![Source: summitmedical.com/](https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-weather/10931474/DJOBRrAlEhPlOkDaQXPg/orig)

<figcaption>
Source: summitmedical.com
</figcaption>
</figure> 

### Understanding the UV Index & Protective Measures
The UV index, developed by scientists, measures UV radiation intensity:

— Low (0–2): Minimal sunburn risk; no protective measures required.

— Moderate (3–5): Slight sunburn risk; use sunblock (SPF 15+) and UV-protective sunglasses.

— High (6–7): Elevated sunburn risk; apply high-SPF sunblock, wear protective clothing, and avoid direct sunlight from 10 AM-4 PM.

— Very High (8–10): Significant sunburn risk; use SPF 50 sunblock and minimize sun exposure between 10 AM-4 PM.

— Extreme (11+): Acute sunburn threat; maximize sun protection. Exposed skin and eyes can suffer within minutes.

You can check your area's current UV index on our website in the detailed forecast. On sunny days, always review the UV index. If elevated, apply sunblock and avoid direct sunlight.

Sunlight and UV Dangers: A Guide to Safe Exposure

Discover the mesmerizing spectacle of fire tornadoes, a natural phenomenon that showcases nature's fiery power

Nature is full of astonishing phenomena! There are the beautiful ones like rainbows, silvery clouds, and halos, and then there are the terrifying ones. We recently wrote about volcanic eruptions - it's horrifying to imagine cities being engulfed by molten lava. But there are other equally shocking spectacles - fire tornadoes.

Today, we discuss the reasons behind these phenomena and end by showcasing some of the most devastating examples.
<figure>

![Source: fireman.club/](https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-weather/5325396/ioKYsJSzpJANKlGtDlRq/orig)

<figcaption>
Source: fireman.club

</figcaption>
</figure>
### How They Form
A fire tornado originates when several large fire sources combine. The heated air above them becomes less dense and rapidly rises. Cooler air currents from the surrounding area replace it at ground level, further fanning the flames. The more intense the fire and the rising air above it, the faster these currents become.

Due to the centripetal motion and high wind speeds, various objects can be drawn into the fire's epicenter – from dust to trees ripped out by the wind. Above this center, burning particles spiral upwards, dragging flames with them and forming fiery columns. Some can reach heights of over 1 km.

The temperature of these whirlwinds ranges around 1000-1500 °C. Another risk they pose is their ability to "shoot" burning debris, leading to new fires nearby.

Because of the rapid ascent of air, together with fire tornadoes, a unique type of cloud usually forms - the pyrocumulus or pyrocumulonimbus clouds. We will discuss these in one of our upcoming articles.

### Where They Occur
Tornadoes can emerge anywhere extensive fires take place; they have no specific geography. For instance, in recent years, they've been frequently spotted in areas affected by intense forest fires - in the USA, Australia, Russia, Japan, and European countries.
<figure>

![Source: belta.by/](https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-weather/5257675/ZEDLttSqVduRBLDQdJZM/orig)

<figcaption>
Source: belta.by
</figcaption>
</figure>
### Examples of Fire Tornadoes
— 1923, Japan: In just 15 minutes, a fire tornado resulting from an earthquake and the fires it caused throughout Tokyo took the lives of about 40,000 people.

— 1941-1945, World War II: Due to bombings during the war, heated tornadoes raged often. One of the largest was a tornado in Hamburg in 1943. Sparked by a massive citywide fire from bombings and reaching heights of nearly 500 meters, it led to the death of around 40,000 people. In 1945, in Dresden, a fire tornado claimed more than 20,000 lives. In that same year in Kobe, Japan, a fiery tornado took 7,000 lives. Later, a similar tornado occurred in Hiroshima after the nuclear strike.

— 2011, Hungary: A tornado emerged during a fire at a plastics manufacturing plant and completely destroyed the facility.

— 2012, Australia: Fire tornadoes in this hot country are almost an annual occurrence. In 2012, a tornado formed precisely where director Chris Tendji was filming. He managed to capture the terrifying phenomenon on film.

— 2023, Chile: This disaster led to the death of over 20 people and the destruction of 800 homes.

We wish you only wonderful natural phenomena! Remember, to choose the best day for stargazing or to plan an extended trip out of town to admire spring-summer clouds, our precipitation map can assist you.

Fire Tornadoes: Nature's Fiery Spectacle

The role of natural factors in amplifying or mitigating air pollution.

In environmental issues, industry is often the primary scapegoat. However, nature itself can exacerbate pollution: due to various weather conditions, harmful emissions can either accumulate in one area or spread widely. Details in our post.

### Wind and Atmospheric Pressure
Air is constantly moving, spreading pollutants from one place to another and even across borders. For example, acid rains in Sweden are caused by sulfur and nitrogen oxides carried by winds from UK and German industries. Asia faces its own weather phenomenon - yellow dust. Powerful spring winds pick up dust particles from the Gobi Desert located in China and Mongolia and sweep it over the Korean Peninsula and Japan.

Within industrial hubs, even a low wind speed can pose a threat. At speeds of 1–2 m/s, toxic substances from ventilation systems settle on the ground, and at 4–6 m/s, from large power plants. The direction matters too; wind blowing from factories towards city centers will lead to pollution.

The most dangerous situation is a calm associated with a high-pressure area or anticyclone. Pollutants remain near the ground, trapped in one region. Conversely, in low-pressure areas or cyclones, swirling currents rise and precipitation occurs, scattering or washing away pollutants.

### Air Temperature and Humidity
Temperature affects air movement: warmer, lighter currents rise and cooler, denser ones sink, a phenomenon called convection. Which pollutants travel depends on seasonal weather.

### Cold Weather Impact
In cold seasons, exhaust fumes and smoke are more noticeable. One might wonder whether it’s just more visible or if there's more pollution. The answer is both. Firstly, exhausts are a mix of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, warm steam, and harmful impurities. We see condensed water droplets when steam hits cold temperatures. Moreover, during late autumn and winter, vehicles often idle, burning extra fuel and producing more emissions.

Secondly, even if industrial waste remains constant throughout the year, there's more heating during colder months, releasing carbon monoxide and other toxic hydrocarbons.

Temperature inversions can exacerbate the situation. Typically, warm air rises, carrying pollutants that disperse over large areas. But sometimes, a layer of unusually cold air forms at the ground with warmer air above, preventing the cold air from rising. This traps pollutants below, resulting in smog.

### Heat Impact
During hot periods, ground-level ozone accumulates in cities and rural areas. In the stratosphere, this gas protects against ultraviolet rays, but at ground level, it's harmful. It's advisable to stay indoors during extreme heat, tracking hourly forecasts on our service. Luckily, summer often brings seasonal thunderstorms. Scientists note that high humidity helps break down ozone, so rain reduces it, and clouds inhibit its production.

May the air in your city be pure and your mood cloudless!