European Heatwave 2003 By Ciara Harney Ronnie Galvin

European Heatwave 2003 By: Ciara Harney Ronnie Galvin Niamh Forde Deano Gately

What is a heatwave? v. A prolonged period of abnormally hot weather. v. Usually occur in the summer time in warm climates, an are of high pressure with little or no rain or clouds.

Causes of the 1) This heat wave was caused by an anti-cyclone Heatwave. . which was firmly over western European land holding back the depressions that usually affect the summer months by bringing rain. 2) An anti-cyclone is a high pressure system so the air descends. This means that there are clear skies which cause very warm conditions in summer. 3) Global Warming.

2003 European Heatwave o One of the hottest summers on record in Europe. o Approximately 35, 000 people died across the European continent as a result of the heat wave. o One of the most prominently featured incidences in every popular presentation of the global warming issue.

Case Study

When? v The 2003 European heat wave was the hottest summer on record in Europe since at least 1540. v June 2003 – August 2003. v On 10 th August the hottest day ever in the UK was recorded as temperatures reached 38. 1 °C.

Where? France As we can observe from the map, France was one of the areas worst affected. France is located in North-western Europe surrounded by Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain and Andorra.

Casualties ; Country by Country • France – 14, 802 deaths. Experienced seven consecutive days of temperatures above 40°C. • UK – 2, 139 deaths. Record‐breaking temperature of 38. 5 °C was recorded on August 10, 2003. • Italy – Approx. 3000 deaths. Temperatures were around 38 °C in most cities for weeks. • Portugal – 2100 deaths. Extensive forest fires. • Holland – 1, 500 deaths. Heat wave broke no records. • Spain – 141 deaths. Records broken in multiple cities. • Germany – 300 deaths. Rivers were at their lowest recorded level this century.

Human Effects • Sun-stroke • Dehydration • Sunburn • Air Pollution • Drowning

Environment and Social Effects • Water Supplies • Tourism • Agriculture • Transport • Energy

Responses to the Heatwave ü France requested aid from the European union to deal with the effects. ü Public water supply shortages occurred in several countries, which led to a temporary ban on using hose pipes. ü TV news, newspapers and internet informed people how to deal with the heat. ü Network Rail in the UK imposed speed restrictions when temperature was above 30˚C. ü Workers around Europe altered their working hours.

• Aftermath of European Heatwave 2003 Agricultural crops and forests were much less productive than normal. • Ecosystems absorbed less of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. • Highest death toll from natural hazards in 50 years. • The global financial impact of the drought and the forest fires over most of Europe exceed € 13 billion.

Youtube Video: https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Dsr 5 snj. KFFE&list=PL ms. Lq. L 2 Pr. Cnrpjuv. ST-BIur. DRA 8 CIt. BTK&index=2