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Heat Waves



Franck Prevel/AP

While a single hot afternoon may be uncomfortable, it's hardly reason for panic. But when heat persists for days to weeks--a heat wave--crops wilt, roads buckle, animals suffer and human death rates climb. Since 1950, long-lasting heat waves have struck much of the world more and more frequently, in places from the American Midwest to Europe. As average air temperatures continue to rise, heat waves will very likely become even more common.

What Makes Heat Waves So Dangerous?

Heat waves are marked by extreme daytime temperatures that can cause people to overheat and dehydrate. But what makes these events especially dangerous are high nighttime temperatures, which keep people from cooling down, resting and rehydrating. The elderly are often at particular risk due to preexisting medical conditions and lack of mobility.



Luca Bruno/AP

2003 European Heat Wave: Things To Come?


The summer of 2003 in southern and central Europe was 4&deg;C (7&deg;F) hotter than normal, probably the warmest in at least 500 years.

Temperatures in London, England, climbed above 100&deg;F (38&deg;C) for the first time in 300 years. Temperature records were also broken in France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Italy and Portugal.




The water-levels in major rivers such as the Loire were at record lows, disrupting inland navigation, irrigation, transportation and industry.

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