2003 European heatwave

The 2003 European heat wave saw the hottest summer recorded in Europe since at least 1540. France was hit especially hard. The heat wave led to health crises in several countries and combined with drought to create a crop shortfall in parts of Southern Europe. The death toll has been estimated at more than 70,000.

2003 European heat wave
The difference in average temperature (2000, 2001, 2002 and 2004) from 2003, covering the date range of 20 July – 20 August
TypeHeat wave
AreasEurope
Start dateJuly 2003 (2003-07)
End dateAugust 2003 (2003-08)
Losses
Deaths72,000
  • Italy: ~20,000
  • France: 14,802-19,000
  • Spain: 12,963
  • Germany: ~9500
  • United Kingdom: ~2,000
  • Portugal: 1,953
  • Netherlands: ~1,500

The predominant heat was recorded in July and August, partly a result of the western European seasonal lag from the maritime influence of the Atlantic warm waters in combination with hot continental air and strong southerly winds.

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