As a warming Earth simmered into worrisome new territory this week, scientists said the unofficial records being set for average planetary temperature are a clear sign of how pollutants released by humans are warming their environment. The heat is just one way the planet is telling us something is gravely wrong, they said.
"Heat sets the pace of our climate in so many ways � it's never just the heat," said Kim Cobb, a climate scientist at Brown University.
A man cools off Thursday under an air mister during a heat wave in Baghdad, Iraq.
U.S. Forest Service smokejumper Mike Dunn steps through a puddle Wednesday while exiting a plane in Fort St. John, British Columbia. His crew is assisting Canadian firefighters battling blazes throughout the region.
A woman uses a long-sleeve shirt to shield from the sun Thursday as she walks at an outdoor shopping mall on a sweltering day in Beijing. The government ordered employers in China's capital to stop outdoor work Thursday after the temperature was forecast to reach 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
A woman carries her dog through a water fountain Thursday on the waterfront in Halifax, Nova Scotia. A heat warning was issued for all Maritime provinces, amid soaring temperatures and high humidity across the region.
No central air conditioning? These are the best fans and portable AC units
1. SereneLife 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner
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This works best for up to 350 square feet. It has a dehumidifier function that helps you remain cool on muggy summer days. The unit also has a fan function if you don’t want to limit the amount of electricity you use during the day. The window mount kit helps draw in some fresh air, and the remote control makes it easy to change settings without disruption.Â
2. Frigidaire Window AC Unit
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If you’re looking for a compact window air conditioning unit, try this . The washable filter is easy to clean and reuse. Customers also loved how cool this window unit got their room without a high power output.Â
3. SUMLGT Personal Mini Air Conditioner
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If you work from home, it can be difficult to concentrate on hot days without air conditioning. Rather than running up a big electricity bill, try this . It’s the perfect addition to your home office for under $50.
4. Bionaire Window Fan
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This draws cool air in and pushes hot air out to keep your home comfortable on hot days. Unlike many window fans, this model is programmable and will automatically turn on and off to maintain the temperature you set.Â
5. DELLA Smart Window Air Conditioner
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This can help you cut down on energy costs with an easy-to-use app that lets you control your settings from your phone. The highly-rated window unit can cool about 300 to 350 square feetÂ
