The European Heatwave Of 2003 (UK)

Shortened Article - Victor Muraviev
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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
 
Difference in average temperature during the Heatwave based on (2000, 2001, 2002 and 2004)
Known forHottest Summer in Europe since 1540

Effects on the UK

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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:

Cause of the Heatwave

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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]

Responses

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Short Term Responses:
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Long Term Responses:
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  1. ^ "The heatwave of 2003". Met Office. Retrieved 2019-05-08.
  2. ^ "ScienceDirect". www.sciencedirect.com. Retrieved 2019-05-08.
  3. ^ "The heatwave of 2003". Met Office. Retrieved 2019-05-08.
  4. ^ "The heatwave of 2003". Met Office. Retrieved 2019-05-13.
  5. ^ "European heat wave of 2003". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2019-05-22.
  6. ^ a b "Metlink Case Study - 2003 Heatwave" (PDF). Metlink.