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Climate: Antarctica Witnessed The Hottest Heatwave Of All Time On Earth In 2022.
Climate: Antarctica Witnessed The Hottest Heatwave Of All Time On Earth In 2022.
By Admin.
In a groundbreaking discovery, study has unveiled a startling revelation that, Antarctica, the uninhabited continent, experienced its most extreme heatwave on record in March 2022. Temperatures near the eastern coast soared to an astonishing 39 degrees Celsius above the average. This unprecedented event left some researchers basking in the warmth, with some even wearing shorts. However, scientists from other regions found it unimaginable.
Edward Blanchard-Wrigglesworth, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Washington and the study’s author, declared it a remarkable event. He emphasized that the 39-degree temperature anomaly was the largest ever measured anywhere in the world.
“STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Generally, the temperatures in March on the east coast of Antarctica near Dome C are around minus 54 degrees Celsius, marking a transition into autumn on the continent. However, on 18 March, 2022, temperatures reached minus 10 degrees Celsius, warmer than the hottest temperature recorded during the summer months in that region.
“It was just very apparent that it was a remarkable event. We found that temperature anomaly, the 39-degree temperature anomaly. That’s the largest anywhere ever measured anywhere in the world.” Edward said.
Typically, in March, temperatures near Dome C on Antarctica’s east coast hover around minus 54 degrees Celsius, signifying the transition to autumn. Yet, on March 18, 2022, temperatures reached minus 10 degrees Celsius, warmer than the region’s hottest recorded summer temperature.
Blanchard-Wrigglesworth and his team delved into the reasons behind this astounding heatwave, especially considering the reduced sunlight during this period. They discovered that while extreme heat is part of Antarctica’s natural variability, the warming climate exacerbated its effects.
Their study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Geophysical Research Letters, highlighted that normally, winds circulate from west to east around Antarctica, insulating it from warmer regions to the north. However, during this heatwave, the winds changed course, allowing warm air from southern Australia to reach East Antarctica in just four days. This influx of warm, moisture-laden air brought snow, rain, and melting to the eastern coast of the ice sheet.
Simultaneously, Antarctica experienced its lowest sea ice levels on record, though the study suggests this wasn’t directly caused by the heatwave.
Remarkably, the research team found that such extreme temperature fluctuations are not uncommon in polar regions. They analyzed data from global weather stations and discovered that the most significant temperature changes from the average typically occur in high latitudes. This distinguishes polar regions from European countries or the United States, which do not experience such anomalous heatwaves.
The phenomenon is attributed to the unique atmospheric conditions in high latitudes, where colder air near the ground coexists with warmer air above it. In these circumstances, a warm air mass can displace the cold air, leading to unusually warm weather events, often occurring during or around winter. This inversion effect, as Blanchard-Wrigglesworth described it, played a role in the Antarctic heatwave.
This extraordinary research sheds light on the complexity of climate dynamics and the vulnerability of even the most remote and extreme regions of our planet to the impacts of global warming.
Source: www.wionnews.com
By Favour Bibaikefie
LAGOS — Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have uncovered a suspected baby factory in Badagry area of Lagos State, rescuing 28 persons during a late-night raid.
Authorities said those rescued included 18 adults and 10 children. Among the adults were 17 pregnant women, while one case involving a suspected miscarriage was also recorded. Two persons were arrested in connection with the operation.
The Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Adedotun Keshinro, disclosed that the raid followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance.
According to him, the facility, located in Okuju-Ilado, Badagry, was made up of several apartments and had been monitored for about three weeks before security operatives moved in around midnight on Wednesday.
Keshinro alleged that the operators targeted vulnerable pregnant women by offering them financial inducements. He further claimed that the women were made to sign agreements and were subsequently restricted from leaving the premises freely.
Investigators also suspect that the syndicate used a fake social media profile to attract unsuspecting victims before moving discussions to private channels.
However, one of the arrested suspects denied wrongdoing, insisting that the women came willingly and that no unlawful activity took place.
A woman rescued from the premises reportedly told officials that she entered the facility voluntarily after being abandoned by the man responsible for her pregnancy.
Some community leaders in the area said residents had observed unusual movements around the compound but did not know the true nature of activities there until the security operation was carried out.
The NSCDC said both suspects and rescued victims would be transferred to the appropriate anti-human trafficking agency for further investigation and necessary action.
By Tama Peretengboro
ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stirred public discussion after making a remark in which he said he “took over leadership from myself” and described the late Muhammadu Buhari as being inseparable from his own political identity.
The statement, made during a public appearance captured in a viral video, quickly generated widespread reactions across political and social circles, with many Nigerians debating the meaning and context of the President’s comments.
Observers said the remarks appeared to underscore Tinubu’s close political association with Buhari and the continuity of governance between both administrations. Others interpreted the comments as an attempt to highlight the shared vision and alliance that existed between the two leaders during Buhari’s tenure.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu has repeatedly acknowledged Buhari’s role in the formation and electoral success of the All Progressives Congress, as well as the political transition that brought the ruling party to power.
The resurfaced clip has since fueled fresh commentary online, with supporters defending the statement as symbolic and critics questioning its phrasing.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not issued any formal clarification regarding the viral video.
See video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXOOaYSCG23/?igsh=MTF6MzJlOWptanJlYQ==
By Divine Perezide
BURUTU — The member representing Burutu State Constituency I in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Alapala Anthony Ebitonmo, has officially announced his intention to seek re-election in the 2027 polls.
Hon. Alapala made the declaration while addressing executives of the All Progressives Congress in Burutu Local Government Area, shortly after the release of the Independent National Electoral Commission timetable and the party’s schedule for the May 16 State Houses of Assembly primaries.
During the meeting, the lawmaker expressed gratitude to party leaders and members for their support during the 2023 general elections, particularly commending members in Burutu LGA for their steadfastness throughout the legal disputes that followed the polls.
He recalled that after his initial victory was overturned by the Court of Appeal, party loyalists remained committed until he eventually emerged victorious in the rerun election.
Speaking on his stewardship, Alapala said his administration had recorded notable progress despite the challenges that marked the early period of his tenure. He noted that the political developments in Delta State, including the alignment of major political blocs and the emergence of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as leader of the APC in the state, had created a more favourable atmosphere for governance.
The legislator stated that several constituency projects are ongoing across the six wards of Burutu North, stressing that grassroots development remains central to his agenda.
On human capital development, he disclosed that more than 50 constituents are currently serving in various appointments under his office, with beneficiaries drawn from all six wards to promote fairness and inclusion.
He further revealed that over 20 students from the constituency have benefited from scholarship opportunities facilitated through his office, while more than 790 students are receiving regular stipends under the Alapala Ebitonmo Students’ Support Scheme.
According to him, the initiative was introduced to reduce financial hardship among students and encourage academic success.
Hon. Alapala also said he had assisted several indigenes of Burutu North in securing empowerment opportunities as well as pensionable employment.
Reaffirming his commitment to public service, the lawmaker assured party stakeholders that if re-elected, he would build on the achievements already recorded and deliver greater democratic dividends to the people.
He also pledged continued loyalty to the APC and its guiding principles.