Western Europe records hottest June-July period as extreme weather intensifies, WMO says
Western Europe experienced its hottest June-July period on record as a succession of heat waves, drought and wildfires continued to affect large parts of the Northern Hemisphere, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said Tuesday.
The UN weather agency warned that parts of the region are now facing their fourth heat wave of the summer, with extreme temperatures expected to persist in several countries.
Record heat grips western Europe
WMO spokesperson Clare Nullis told reporters in Geneva that July was the joint second-warmest July ever recorded globally, with average surface air temperatures 1.47 degrees Celsius (2.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above the estimated pre-industrial level.
Sea-surface temperatures also reached their highest level ever recorded for the month of July, Nullis said.
Several Western European countries are experiencing prolonged periods of extreme heat. Meteo-France expects temperatures to rise above 35C in much of France later this week, while MeteoSwiss has issued a Level 3 heat alert for temperatures exceeding 35C.
Parts of southern England could reach 36C by Thursday, according to the UK Met Office.
Drought and wildfires add to risks
The prolonged heat has been accompanied by worsening drought conditions, affecting agriculture, river levels, transport and energy supplies while increasing the risk of wildfires.
WMO climate information chief John Kennedy said the extreme weather pattern reflected the combined effects of long-term global warming and persistent high- and low-pressure systems.
He warned that extreme heat is becoming more frequent, more intense, longer-lasting and more widespread.
WHO warns of health impacts from wildfire smoke
The World Health Organization (WHO) also warned of the serious health risks posed by wildfire smoke, particularly exposure to fine particulate matter.
WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic said wildfire smoke exposure is associated with premature deaths and can cause or worsen diseases affecting the lungs, heart, brain and nervous system, as well as the skin, kidneys and eyes.
Firefighters and emergency workers face particular risks from burns, injuries and prolonged exposure to heavy smoke, Jasarevic said.
Children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses are among those particularly vulnerable to the health effects of extreme heat and wildfire smoke.
Source:AA
