Thousands of people are expected to die from the scorching heat.
European scientists and meteorologists predict that the unusual heat wave that began in late June 2019 could claim thousands of lives, The Washington Post reported.
Finnish meteorologist Mika Rantanen has used computer simulations of heat intensity to determine that the upcoming heatwave is unprecedented for France.
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| Illustration photo. |
High air temperatures are a “silent killer,” according to Stefan Rahmstorf, a climatologist at the University of Potsdam. The scientist notes that in 2003, heat waves killed 70,000 Europeans, and last summer in Germany, at least 1,000 people died.
The highest temperatures will be recorded in western and central Europe. Spanish meteorologist Silvia Laplana has described the weather as “hell is coming”. Meteorologist Gillaume Woznica said he has no doubt that the temperature in France will set a new national record of 45 degrees.
In 2003, when the highest temperature was 44.1 degrees Celsius, more than 11,000 French people died from the heat.
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| Map showing global heat wave. |
The cause of this catastrophic heat is a system of two high pressure areas located near Greenland and north-central Europe. These two systems have blocked the flow of southerly winds that would otherwise cool the air. The result is a long line of hot air from the Spanish and African deserts, leading to intense heat waves and storms.
