Europe: Heatwave triggers alerts

If you’re planning a trip anywhere in Europe in coming days, be prepared to sweat.  With record temperatures over 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) alerts are being issued around the continent about the dangers from the heat predicted to last into early next week.

 

The heatwave affecting France, Great Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland, and Germany has triggered massive power failures affecting almost one million homes in northwest France, the cancelation of outside events and athletic competitions, disruptions in train and subway service, as well as warnings advising people to stay at home, limit outdoor exposure, take frequent breaks and – of course – to drink plenty of water.

 

The southwest of France, southern Spain and Portugal reached temperatures over 107 degrees (42 Celsius). Cordóba, Spain, recorded a blistering 110.6 (43.7 Celsius).

 

From Italy to Great Britain, governments warned of the dangers, particularly for the elderly, sick and young children.

 

France has activated its national heatwave emergency plan and declared orange alert – the second highest of the system – in 40 regions, warning of “an enduring heatwave of significant intensity requiring particular vigilance.”

http://www.forbes.com/sites/ceciliarodriguez/2015/07/03/record-breaking-heatwave-scorching-europe-triggers-widespread-alerts/