Monday 24 July 2006

Extreme heat

It would appear that summer this year is going to be one of the record breakers. I am not talking about my neck of the woods - 25C is not excessively hot. I am talking about for instance the USA, which has seen temperatures rocketing to a staggering 50C / 122F in Phoenix AZ and temperatures in triple figures Fahrenheit across much of the southwestern states. This has placed huge strains on electricity supplies (airconditioning units!) and some companies have imposed voluntary electricity cuts. Involuntary cuts may yet follow. The heat is also a huge strain on people with frail health, particularly those with breathing difficulties and heart conditions.

Over in eastern Holland, the annual Four Day marches around the city of Nijmegen were cancelled after two walkers died on the course. Hundreds of walkers and spectators became unwell in the oppressive heat (mid 30s C) last Wednesday. Contrarily, these conditions will set off severe thunderstorms which will give rise to flooding. River levels in continental Europe are going down and drought conditions are settling in.

Let's hope the weather turns a lot cooler soon - it's very nice to have sunny weather, but extreme temperatures do exact a toll.

1 comment:

  1. Amen to that!  I can do without the high temperatures and humidity.
    Lori

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