The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) record temperature for an island is 48.8°C recorded on 11 August 2021 in Syracuse on the south eastern coast of Sicily. The measurement was taken at an automated weather station meeting WMO standards for air temperature recorded 1.25–2 metres above ground in a shielded environment with the record being confirmed in January 2024.
The temperature was also confirmed as a record for continental Europe surpassing the temperature of 48.0 °C experienced on 10 July 1977 in Athens and Elefsina.
Now in recent days, it has been reported that a temperature of 52.6°C on Failaka Island,Kuwait was recorded on 15 June. Nearby Bubyan Island recorded 51.3°C, and other regional temperatures exceeded 50°C.
It is also claimed that the temperature of 52.6°C is the earliest known maximum temperature in the region ever.
Without WMO validation, the 52.6°C claim remains unconfirmed with consideration now needing to be given to whether it was an unverified measurement with non-standard conditions – a ground rather than air temperature for example.
What is clear is that historical norms are being rewritten for this time of the year and especially in such coastal and island regions.
