2003 European heat wave

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The 2003 European heat wave was a natural disaster in Europe in July and August 2003. The heat led to the hottest summer on record since at least 1540. France was especially hard hit.[1] The heat led to health crises in several countries. It combined with droughts to reduce crops in Southern Europe.

More than 70,000 people died in Europe. According to an Inserm study, nearly 19,000 people died in France. People also died in the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

Highest temperatures measured per country[change | change source]

Country Temperature Location Date
 Austria 37.6 °C (99.7 °F) Vienna 13 August
 Belgium 38.6 °C (101.5 °F) Aubange 12 August
 France 44.1 °C (111.4 °F) Saint-Christol-lès-Alès 12 August
 Germany 40.3 °C (104.5 °F) Perl-Nennig 8 August
 Italy 46.0 °C (114.8 °F) Catenanuova 17 July
 Luxembourg 40.6 °C (105.1 °F) Remich 12 August
 Netherlands 37.8 °C (100.0 °F) Arcen 7 August
 Portugal 47.4 °C (117.3 °F) Amareleja 1 August
 Spain 46.2 °C (115.2 °F) Córdoba 1 August
  Switzerland 41.5 °C (106.7 °F) Grono 11 August
 United Kingdom 38.5 °C (101.3 °F) Faversham 10 August

References[change | change source]

  1. "Sequence of Extreme Weather Events". The Prevention Web. Retrieved Jun 23, 2016.