Record temperatures in Arctic heatwave

An unprecedented heatwave hit parts of the Arctic this summer, the Independent reported on Wednesday, as a research station in Canada recorded temperatures of 22 degrees Celsius, about 15 degrees higher than the long-term average.
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The high temperatures were accompanied by a dramatic melting of Arctic sea ice in September to the lowest levels ever recorded.

"This was exceptional for a place where the normal average temperatures are about 5 degrees Celsius. This year we frequently recorded daytime temperatures of between 10 degrees and 15 degrees and on some days it went as high as 22 degrees," the report quoted Scott Lamoureux, a professor of geography, as saying.

The high temperatures on the island caused catastrophic mudslides as the permafrost on hillsides melted, Lamoureux was quoted as saying.

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