In 2003, Europe had been struck by a massive heatwave which resulted in the hottest summer since 1540. [1] Health crises in several countries occurred this was due to the heatwave and a drought which caused a crop shortage. The death toll was reported to be over 70,000. [2] The main heatwave was recorded in August and July, it was partly due to seasonal lag.
2003 European Heat Wave | |
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![]() Difference in average temperature during the Heatwave based on (2000, 2001, 2002 and 2004) | |
Known for | Hottest Summer in Europe since 1540 |
In the UK there were approximately 2000 deaths that were related to heat. [3] The following are human effects:
The following are environmental and social effects:
An anticyclone residing above western Europe led to record high temperatures over certain periods due to preventing precipitation. [5] High pressure brought dry and hot air from Europe's interior through Easterly winds and dry air from North Africa through Southerly winds. [6]