French Heat Hottest Since 2003

August 19, 2012; 3:00 PM
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While the eastern United States may be cooling down as of late, western Europe has been in a blazing heat wave with Paris enduring its hottest temperatures in nearly a decade.

Across Spain and France, area residents have been experiencing an abundance of heat over the past couple of days. High temperatures have been skyrocketing across the region, with highs Saturday pushing the mercury to the highest yet.

Temperatures in Paris Saturday reached triple digits for the first time since the heat wave of 2003, when a similar heat wave brought temperatures in the 100s for multiple days, peaking multiple times at 104 degrees F (40C).

Temperatures today in Paris came close to cracking the century mark.

Luckily this heat wave does not look nearly as prolonged or quite as hot as the 2003 example. The heat was so bad in 2003, that about 15,000 people died in France alone. It also destroyed a large number of crops across Europe thanks to drought and wildfire.

For area residents, the worst will probably be over with after today. Temperatures will turn progressively cooler Monday into Thursday.

Until temperatures drop, people expecting to be outside in the heat are encouraged to stay cool and hydrated the best they can, as exposure to the heat can lead to medical emergencies.

According to the Associated Press, the French television is airing public service announcements urging residents to drink water and wear hats.

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