It was reported through social networks and various media that yesterday (Tuesday, the 25th) a record temperature of 50 °C was recorded in Kuçovo, which was seen on an electronic thermometer located near a pharmacy. A few hours later, it was said that in Tirana, the electronic thermometer recorded 53 degrees Celsius. But are these values ??correct?
Short answer: No.
The long answer: An electronic thermometer is generally accurate, but only when set correctly. The thermometer should be placed in the shade. If placed in the sun, direct radiation from the sun will cause the thermometer to show a higher temperature than it actually is.
The air temperature is always measured in a shaded place, because in the shade the thermometer measures the actual air temperature and only the air temperature. A thermometer placed in the sun measures the temperature to which the sun heats the thermometer, not the actual temperature of the air.
We also add that the thermometer should be placed on a grassy surface, as materials such as concrete or pavements attract more heat. This is why cities are often warmer compared to suburban areas.
The Military Meteorological Service announced that yesterday, the highest temperature was recorded in the city of Berat - 44 degrees Celsius.
The highest temperature at the national level was recorded in Ku?ovo in 1986 - 44.4 °C.
