Yes, but this year’s temperatures have shattered records that no one wanted to see broken. Temperatures reached all-time highs around the world—from Greece to China to Iran. In the U.S., even Maine and northern areas of Alaska, which usually have mild summers, had 90-degree days.

Summer heat waves are nothing new. A heat wave is a period of unusually hot weather that lasts at least two days. This summer, however, heat waves scorched some parts of the U.S. for weeks at a time. In Phoenix, Arizona, for example, temperatures hit at least 110 degrees Fahrenheit for 31 days straight. 

Yes, but this year’s temperatures have shattered records. Temperatures reached all-time highs around the world. This happened from Greece to China to Iran. Temperatures were also high in the U.S. Maine and northern areas of Alaska usually have mild summers. But this year, they both had 90-degree days.

Summer heat waves are nothing new. A heat wave is a period of unusually hot weather that lasts at least two days. However, this summer’s heat waves have been different. They have scorched some parts of the U.S. for weeks at a time. In Phoenix, Arizona, for example, temperatures hit at least 110 degrees Fahrenheit for 31 days straight.

No. El Niño is another important factor. That’s a temporary warming of the eastern Pacific Ocean that occurs every few years. 

Normally, the edges of the Pacific are cool. Climate scientists say that cool water acts as Earth’s air conditioner. 

But during El Niño, the Pacific Ocean near South America is warmer than usual. It releases heat into the atmosphere, raising temperatures on land. Some climate scientists say El Niño could help make 2023 the hottest year on record. 

No. El Niño is another important factor. That’s a temporary warming of the eastern Pacific Ocean. It occurs every few years. 

Normally, the edges of the Pacific are cool. Climate scientists say that cool water acts as Earth’s air conditioner. 

But during El Niño, the ocean changes. The Pacific Ocean near South America is warmer than usual. It releases heat into the atmosphere. This raises temperatures on land. Some climate scientists say El Niño could help make 2023 the hottest year on record.

Heat waves often go hand in hand with other weather-related disasters, including wildfires. These uncontrolled blazes are more likely to form in hot, dry conditions. This year, Canada had its worst wildfire season ever. By mid-August, fires had burned an area roughly the size of Arkansas and forced more than 160,000 people from their homes. Strong winds carried smoke from the fires to cities hundreds of miles away. 

Wildfires also devastated the island of Maui in Hawaii this summer. In August, the deadliest wildfire in the U.S. in more than a century swept through the town of Lahaina.

Heat waves often go hand in hand with other weather-related disasters. These include wildfires. Wildfires are uncontrolled blazes. They are more likely to form in hot, dry conditions. This year, Canada had its worst wildfire season ever. By mid-August, fires had burned an area roughly the size of Arkansas. The fires forced more than 160,000 people from their homes. Strong winds carried smoke from the fires to cities hundreds of miles away. 

Wildfires also devastated the island of Maui in Hawaii this summer. In August, flames swept through the town of Lahaina. It was the deadliest wildfire in the U.S. in more than a century.  

1. What evidence does the article give to support the idea that this year’s heat broke records?

2. Based on the article, what is the link between weather and wildfires?

3. How do the images in the article help you understand the article?

1. What evidence does the article give to support the idea that this year’s heat broke records?

2. Based on the article, what is the link between weather and wildfires?

3. How do the images in the article help you understand the article?