The scorching heat has wreaked havoc in every corner of Europe. Rising temperatures have caused forest fires in France, Spain, Portugal, and Greece, while Britain's roads and railway tracks are melting. For the first time in history, the temperature here crossed 40 degrees Celsius. So far more than a thousand people have lost their lives across the continent.
Earlier in 2003, Europe was hit by a heat wave, in which 70 thousand people died. Experts say that the intensity of the heat wave moving north from Western Europe this year is much higher than in the rest of the world. It is a matter of concern that there are still two months of the summer season left.
First know, what is a heat wave?
When the temperature in an area increases more than normal and it remains so for several days, then it is called a heat wave. During this time the humidity of the area also increases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), due to increasing temperature around the world, we may have to face serious diseases, premature death, and disability along with lack of water, food, and energy.
What is the status of a heat wave in European countries?
Temperatures in the UK have reached record highs. The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for heat waves in all areas. Train services were affected by the heat and schools have been closed.
According to Spain's Carlos Institute, the wildfire has killed 862 people. At the same time, more than 13 thousand people had to leave their homes. So far 70 thousand hectares of forest have been cleared.
France has broken more than 100 heat records in a week. Here the hot water of the rivers has reduced the production of nuclear power plants. At the same time, more than 3 thousand firefighters are trying to extinguish the forest fire.
On 17 July, a firefighting plane trying to control a fire crashed in Portugal. Around 1,100 people lost their lives in heat wave-related incidents.
The people of Germany could be hit by drought due to record temperatures. On the other hand, 'Red' and 'Orange' warnings have been given due to increasing heat in Belgium and Sweden. Italy is also on high alert due to wildfire.
What are the causes of a dangerous heat wave in Europe?
Global warming: Today the temperature of the earth is 1.1 degrees Celsius higher than in the 19th century. Now we are surrounded by dangerous gases like carbon dioxide, which take the heat in the atmosphere to a different level.
Jet Stream: Changes are taking place in the fast-flowing air (jet stream) in the Earth's upper atmosphere, which is going to increase the heat in Europe. Something similar happened in 2003 as well.
Low-Pressure Zone: Air flows from high pressure to low pressure areas. In this case, the wind is blowing from North Africa to Europe. Warm winds have been moving around the coast of Portugal (Low-Pressure Zone) for several days.
Sea heat: Arctic Ocean ice is melting rapidly due to climate change. The effect of the heat here can be seen in the winds blowing in Europe. Now the heat wave keeps on moving in one place for a long time.
Soil Dryness: Most parts of Europe have low soil moisture content. That is, the land here does not absorb much heat, due to which the temperature keeps on increasing.
Heatwave in US-China also; India-Pakistan have suffered
There are also dangerous heat wave-like situations in America. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 25 percent of the country's total population, or 80 million people, could be hit by this scorching heat. On the other hand, strange changes are being seen in the weather in China too. Here it is raining at the record with a heat wave.
In March, April, and May this year, the record-breaking heat wave in North India and Pakistan badly affected both countries. Hundreds of people died due to this and there was heavy damage to crops. According to a study by the United Kingdom Meteorological Office, the probability of heat waves in India and Pakistan has increased 100 times due to climate change.
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