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Graphic shows breaking temperatures registered across western Europe.
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WEATHER

Temperature records shattered as heatwave scorches Europe

By Jordi Bou

July 25, 2019 - For the second time in a month, a high pressure system is drawing scorching air from the Sahara desert, breaking temperature records.

Climate scientists warn this could become the new normal in many parts of the world. But temperate Europe – where air conditioning is rare – isn't equipped for the temperatures frying the region this week.

One by one, heat records are being broken across Europe. On Thursday, the Paris area could be as hot as 41C (108 F) as a result of hot, dry air coming from northern Africa that's trapped between cold stormy systems.

London expects to see 39C. And swaths of Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Switzerland could face temperatures exceeding 40C.

France is particularly wary after a 2003 heat wave killed nearly 15,000 people, especially the elderly.

As emissions continue to warm the planet, scientists say there will be more and hotter heatwaves.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 25/07/2019; STORY: Graphic News
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