Temperature of 48.8C recorded in Sicily confirmed as Europe’s highest

The UN’s weather agency confirmed a reading of 48.8C in Sicily two years ago as the hottest temperature ever recorded in Europe (AP Photo/Salvatore Cavalli, File)

The UN’s weather agency on Tuesday confirmed a reading of 48.8C in Sicily two years ago as the hottest temperature ever recorded in Europe.

The World Meteorological Organisation said the Sicilian scorcher was picked up on August 11 2021 at a time when temperatures were soaring across much of Europe – renewing concerns about climate change caused by human activity.