2003 European heat wave

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

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

2003 European Heat Wave Media

References

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