Violent attacks had escalated in Kabul in the days before the election, shattering the relative calm the capital had known in recent months.

CNN: Afghans head to the polls

If the urban heat island effect were large, you would expect to see a bigger trend for calm days when more of the heat stays in the city.

BBC: NEWS | Special Reports | 629 | 629 | Climate scepticism: The top 10

The longest spells of settled weather occur during calm but cold days in winter.

BBC: Czech Republic

In the coming days, the new French President's Francois Hollande's "growth compact" and the calm credibility of Italy's Mario Monti may help change the outlook for European reform and consolidation.

CNN: Opinion: Greeks prefer Europe to its own politicians