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Record-Setting Heat Waves Sweep Europe

Lisa Schlein

   GENEVA - Much of Europe is getting hit with a record-setting heat wave.
   The World Meteorological Organization is concerned not just because of
   the temperatures, but because the summer heat is a month earlier than
   usual and more intense. It is likely another sign of climate change.

   Europe is wilting from the warm air masses coming from Africa, bringing
   with them Saharan heat and, in some cases, Saharan dust.

   The World Meteorological Organization said temperature records have
   been broken this week in France, Spain, Germany, Austria and
   Switzerland.

   On Friday, France issued red alerts for four areas in the south as
   temperatures reached an all time high of 45.1 Celsius (113 Fahrenheit).

   While this spate of new maximum daytime records is of concern, WMO
   spokeswoman Claire Nullis said the increasing number of minimum
   overnight temperature records is particularly worrisome.

   "I stress the overnight records are important because night time is
   when our bodies recover," Nullis said. "It is when plants and animals
   recover. So, if we are seeing minimum overnight temperatures of 25
   degrees C (77 Fahrenheit) as we have done in some places, it is not
   good news."

   Heat events kill thousands of people every year. They often trigger
   secondary events such as wildfires and electrical grid failures.

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