5 Worst Heatwaves in History

The five worst heatwaves recorded in history, in terms of their severity and impact, are:

1. European Heatwave (2003):

   - Dates: June to August 2003

   - Impact: One of the deadliest heatwaves in recorded history, with an estimated 70,000 deaths across Europe, particularly affecting France, Italy, and Germany. Temperatures soared above 40°C (104°F) in some regions, causing widespread health crises and infrastructure failures.

2. Russian Heatwave (2010):

   - Dates: July to August 2010

   - Impact: This extreme heatwave led to around 56,000 deaths, primarily in western Russia. Temperatures reached 44°C (111.2°F) in some areas, exacerbating wildfires that caused significant air pollution and economic damage.

3. Indian Heatwave (2015):

   - Dates: May to June 2015

   - Impact: This heatwave resulted in over 2,500 deaths, with temperatures soaring above 48°C (118.4°F) in some regions. The intense heat strained water and power supplies, impacting millions of people.

4. North American Heatwave (1936):

   - Dates: July to August 1936

   - Impact: Occurring during the Dust Bowl era, this heatwave led to about 5,000 deaths in the United States and Canada. Temperatures reached as high as 44°C (111°F), causing widespread agricultural damage and economic hardship during the Great Depression.

5. European Heatwave (2019):

   - Dates: June to July 2019

   - Impact: This heatwave set new temperature records across Europe, with highs of 46°C (114.8°F) in France. While the death toll was lower due to better preparedness, the heatwave still caused significant health issues, wildfires, and disruptions.

These heatwaves were marked by their high temperatures, prolonged duration, and devastating impacts on human health, agriculture, and infrastructure.