Lisbon, Portugal, which along with Spain and North Africa had record-breaking April temperatures this year. AP
Lisbon, Portugal, which along with Spain and North Africa had record-breaking April temperatures this year. AP
Lisbon, Portugal, which along with Spain and North Africa had record-breaking April temperatures this year. AP
Lisbon, Portugal, which along with Spain and North Africa had record-breaking April temperatures this year. AP

World reports fourth-warmest April since records began in 1950


Nicky Harley
  • English
  • Arabic

Last month's average temperatures across the world were the fourth warmest for April since records began in 1950.

The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) found temperatures were above average over south-west Europe last month, with Spain and Portugal recording their highest April temperatures.

The C3S, which is part of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts and is funded by the European Commission, publishes monthly climate bulletins on changes observed in the weather.

All findings are based on computer-generated analyses using billions of measurements from satellites, ships, aircraft and weather stations around the world.

The latest data, published on Monday, covers April and despite some areas experiencing record highs, it also noted colder-than-average temperatures in a band stretching from the UK to south-east Europe.

It said temperatures for the month were much warmer than average in parts of Africa, part of Central Asia surrounding the Caspian Sea, in South-east Asia, Japan and Canada.

In contrast, it was colder than average in Alaska, Mongolia, the Arabian Gulf, India and Australia.

"April saw exceptionally warm temperatures in Spain and Portugal, which were accompanied by extremely dry conditions," said Samantha Burgess, deputy director of C3S.

A man cools off at a fountain in Seville, southern Spain, where record-breaking April temperatures were recorded. AP
A man cools off at a fountain in Seville, southern Spain, where record-breaking April temperatures were recorded. AP

"In addition to the southern European heatwave, above-average temperatures were observed over the equatorial eastern Pacific, which is an early sign for a potential transition to El Nino conditions often leading to warmer global temperatures."

Exceptionally dry conditions were experienced in the Iberian Peninsula, the Southern Alps and parts of Mediterranean France, the report said.

A number of ski resorts were forced to close due to lack of snow.

Other drier-than-average regions included north-western Scandinavia, the Baltic countries and much of western Russia.

Last month was wetter than the average April in a large west-to-east region from Ireland, the UK and France, across central Europe to Italy, the Balkans and the Black Sea.

Beyond Europe, this April was drier than average over large parts of the USA, in western Russia and in parts of South-east Asia.

Other drier-than-average regions included the Horn of Africa, most of southern Africa, Argentina and parts of Brazil.

Wetter-than-average conditions were recorded in south-eastern USA, regions of East Asia, north-western Australia and Tanzania.

Below-average sea ice concentrations prevailed in most sectors of the Arctic Ocean, the report said.

Last month C3S published its sixth annual European State of the Climate report, which revealed that low rainfall and high temperatures had led to widespread drought across the continent.

It warned Europe would soon recognise the cost of climate change as drought conditions are expected to affect food production significantly this year.

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Ashes 2019 schedule

August 1-5: First Test, Edgbaston

August 14-18: Second Test, Lord's

August 22-26: Third Test, Headingley

September 4-8: Fourth Test, Old Trafford

September 12-16: Fifth Test, Oval

Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

Dhadak

Director: Shashank Khaitan

Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana

Stars: 3

The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre turbo

Power: 181hp

Torque: 230Nm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Starting price: Dh79,000

On sale: Now

Key findings of Jenkins report
  • Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
  • Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
  • Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
  • Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Thanksgiving meals to try

World Cut Steakhouse, Habtoor Palace Hotel, Dubai. On Thursday evening, head chef Diego Solis will be serving a high-end sounding four-course meal that features chestnut veloute with smoked duck breast, turkey roulade accompanied by winter vegetables and foie gras and pecan pie, cranberry compote and popcorn ice cream.

Jones the Grocer, various locations across the UAE. Jones’s take-home holiday menu delivers on the favourites: whole roast turkeys, an array of accompaniments (duck fat roast potatoes, sausages wrapped in beef bacon, honey-glazed parsnips and carrots) and more, as  well as festive food platters, canapes and both apple and pumpkin pies.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, The Address Hotel, Dubai. This New Orleans-style restaurant is keen to take the stress out of entertaining, so until December 25 you can order a full seasonal meal from its Takeaway Turkey Feast menu, which features turkey, homemade gravy and a selection of sides – think green beans with almond flakes, roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato casserole and bread stuffing – to pick up and eat at home.

The Mattar Farm Kitchen, Dubai. From now until Christmas, Hattem Mattar and his team will be producing game- changing smoked turkeys that you can enjoy at home over the festive period.

Nolu’s, The Galleria Mall, Maryah Island Abu Dhabi. With much of the menu focused on a California inspired “farm to table” approach (with Afghani influence), it only seems right that Nolu’s will be serving their take on the Thanksgiving spread, with a brunch at the Downtown location from 12pm to 4pm on Friday.

While you're here

GOLF’S RAHMBO

- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)

What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

Estijaba – 8001717 –  number to call to request coronavirus testing

Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111

Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre

Emirates airline – 600555555

Etihad Airways – 600555666

Ambulance – 998

Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries

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Company profile

Name: Tratok Portal

Founded: 2017

Based: UAE

Sector: Travel & tourism

Size: 36 employees

Funding: Privately funded

White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogenChromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxideUltramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica contentOphiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on landOlivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour

ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA

Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi

Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser

Rating: 4.5/5

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Updated: May 08, 2023, 10:59 AM