Record 108.7 Fahrenheit in Paris as Europe heatwave hits blistering peak

[left-of-center2012]

Paris on Thursday baked in an all-time high temperature of 108.7 Fahrenheit as a ferocious heatwave smashed records across northern Europe, sparking concerns about public health and causing new misery for rail travellers. As records also tumbled in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, Paris beat the previous top of 104.7° set in July 1947.

Trains have been slowed in several European countries to avoid damage to the railway networks. French national operator SNCF urged travellers to delay journeys planned for Thursday, while German railway company Deutsche Bahn offered travellers a chance to change tickets free of charge.

In the sweltering French capital, authorities warned people to keep an eye on those living alone.

At the same time, the scorching weather spelled misery for millions of commuters on public transport. "It's so hot in the metro, it's unbearable. There are so many people, no air conditioning and everyone is on top of one other," said Paris commuter Petra Ulm, 34, a clinical researcher.

The heatwave, which was expected to ease up on Friday as rain and thunderstorms move in, again focused public attention on the problems caused by climate change.

https://news.yahoo.com/europes-record-setting-heatwave-spike-even-higher-032037783.html

[riversedge]

1. I hope people are taking care of each other during this heat wave