Europe’s Heat Wave: BBC

A heat wave is spreading across Europe with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius, or 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic and other nations reported records. Spain’s meteorological agency reported a mass of tropical wind is coming in from Africa, and the high temperatures are disrupting business and recreation activities. “French authorities have taken a number of radical steps this week to prevent a repeat of the tragic consequences of the 2003 heat wave that left around 14,000 people dead,” reports Rob Picheta for CNN International. “Around 4,000 schools were closed in the country on Friday and the opening hours of parks and public swimming pools have been extended.” Climate researchers have cautioned that unchecked reliance on fossil fuels will make weather events of all types, from flooding to wildfire, more severe. France’s meteorological agency anticipates such heat waves to double by 2050. – YaleGlobal