The most intense heatwaves in history
France could break new records with a new heatwave
© Reuters
TRAVEL Extreme weather
The globe is warming up, with summers getting hotter every year. If you remember, June 2018 was one for the history books. The Northern Hemisphere was hit by many heatwaves, affecting Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. The earth's surface temperature was the fourth highest in 140 years. Scientists claim that air currents slowed down, trapping areas of cloudless high pressure. According to the World Meteorological Organization, climate change is to blame for the high temperatures, which have a huge effect on mankind. Elderly people have an increased mortality, while crop yields suffered. Meanwhile, the Baltic sea saw its biggest algae bloom in decades, poisoning water around the world.
Things are also pretty serious this time around. France is expected to reach heights of 40°C (104°F), with humidity bringing the sensation to around 47°C (117°F). But France isn’t the only country that’s expected to feel the heat. Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland are also expecting record-breaking days in June. That said, France seems to be suffering the most, with comparisons being made to 2003. That year, 15,000 people died in France, with temperatures over 44°C (111°F).
The bigger the city, the bigger the threat. Weather services have warned residents of big cities, like Madrid and Paris, to be prepared for astonishing heat. Paris is trying its own ways of preparing, reportedly constructing 900 “cool places,” with cooler temperature than the city streets. Cool places could include parks or even air-conditioned public halls.
With that said, prepare for the upcoming heatwaves by reading about the hottest days in history. From Argentina’s week of fire to the summer nightmare of 2018.
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