The European Space Agency (ESA) released this map today (August 3, 2021). It shows the temperature of the land surface around the Mediterranean Sea on August 2. That measurement is in contrast to weather forecasts, which speak in terms of air temperatures. And, ESA said, the map looks very similar to one released a month ago, on July 2. ESA said:
It is clear to see that surface temperatures in Turkey and Cyprus have reached over 50 C [122 F] again … The Mediterranean has been suffering a heatwave for some weeks, leading to numerous wildfires. Turkey, for example, is reported to be amid the country’s worst blazes in at least a decade.
As for air temperatures, yes, they are high, too. The high air temperatures set records in both Greece and Turkey earlier this week. Reuters reported late last week, for example, that Greek authorities were warning the public against unnecessary work and travel, as air temperatures hit 40 C (104 F) in Athens. The high today (August 3) in Athens was also 104 F, according to Accuweather. The Acropolis, Athens’ most visited monument, has been closed due to the high heat.
Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. In 2020, she won the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society, the largest organization of professional astronomers in North America. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.
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