Global Warming Spurs Heat Waves
Europe

A new study suggests that global warming has doubled the likelihood of severe heat waves like that of summer 2003. It was the hottest European summer on record.

The heat wave caused over 22,000 European deaths, ignited fires across the region, and shrank glaciers at an alarming rate.

When concentrations of greenhouse gases were increased in computer models, atmospheric patterns that induce severe heat waves intensified over Europe and North America. 

The models predict that by 2040, every other summer could be warmer than that of 2003.

Image Credits:
AP Photo
www.bigfoto.com
Library of Congress

Satellite Data:
NASA