Schools in and around Paris are closing early today due to what looks like being a near unprecedented heatwave in the area. Temperatures look set to soar to above 40C as exceptionally hot air continues to blow in from the Sahara, and many schools in the Essonne region, just south of Paris sufficient air conditioning to ensure pupil safety. Other measures being taken include traffic control to reduce the risk of smog and free parking initiatives have been set up to try to encourage people to use more public transport.
The Temperatures are soaring in Europe
Image Marian Weyo /Shutterstock
France was hit by a heatwave of similar magnitude in 2003, which was blamed for 15,000 deaths. The rest of Europe is starting to bake also with Spain and Italy also seeing 40C+ temperatures.
It is not possible to firmly lay this at global warmings door – however, the tweet below does point out a worrying trend.
Extreme heatwaves in Europe should be twice-in-a-century events, says @metoffice
This is the third deadly heatwave in 16 years
The five hottest summers since 1500 have all been this century
This is what a #ClimateEmergency looks likehttps://t.co/bJN6VgnDHW
— Caroline Lucas (@CarolineLucas) June 27, 2019
