Heat Wave

Our research correspondent is living in Europe in the summer of 2022. She has experienced heat wave at the time.

From June to August 2022, persistent heat waves have affected parts of Europe. As a result, they caused wildfires, droughts, evacuations and heat-related deaths. The highest temperature recorded was 47.0 °C (116.6 °F) in Pinhão, Portugal, on 14 July.

During this heat wave, nearly 12,000 people died from heat stroke or other means. It means that it is the deadliest natural event since the 2011 East Africa drought. Also the event is the deadliest heat wave since the 2010 Russian heat wave.

In June, temperatures of 40–43 °C (104–109 °F) were recorded in parts of Europe, with most severe temperature anomalies in France, where several records were broken.

A second more severe heat wave occurred in mid-July, extending north to the United Kingdom where temperatures surpassing 40 °C (104 °F). They were recorded for the first time in the country’s history. The heat waves have been linked to climate change in Europe.

A third heat wave began in August with parts of France and Spain expected to reach temperatures as high as 38 °C (100 °F). A prolonged hot period is also expected to hit the United Kingdom. She also shared her friend’s story.

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