Europe in heat...

[Haltickling]

The whole of Europe is moaning under the extreme heat wave that has been lasting for about 2 months already. We in Germany expect the temperatures to rise above 40° Celsius (ca. 105 F) this week, and as this is highly unusual for our climate, very few houses and offices are equipped with air conditioning. Hell week for us!

Huge forest fires blaze in France, Spain, and Portugal, as it hasn't rained for weeks. The harvests all over Europe are drastically reduced, already the prices for vegetables and fruits are soaring up. And little hope for a weather change during the next few weeks. Damn weather!

I realize that some of these conditions are quite normal in certain parts of the US, but as it's very unnormal for us, we are neither prepared nor used to this.

I wish I lived somewhere with a more temperate climate, as I'm very sesitive to heat. Some people say I must have been an Eskimo in a previous life...

 

[milagros317]

It rarely gets about 100 F here in NY City, but is often over 90 F and humid in August. You can really feel like him:

Best advice is to keep drinking lots of cool water. Do not drink alcohol or coffee; they are diuretics and will make it harder to stay hydrated.

 

[desdemona]

I sympathize with you...

We, too, normally have 90+ degree weather and tons of humidity. Now, we have nothing but rain, making it muggy, but slightly more tolerable. I know a/c is not a standard thing in Europe...how about fans?? Also, avoid running major appliances a lot in the evenings - they put out a great deal of heat usually. I agree with Milagros...lots of fluids to replace. Think cool thoughts! And try to get some ice (I know, another non-traditional European thing).

 

[Haltickling]

Thanks for your kind words, much appreciated!

Just a little piece of side info which came in today's news: It seems that it's even too hot for the local gnats, they are dying in great numbers... Well, at least that's an advantage! 😛