It is really hot in Europe, and the European Space Agency has the satellite images to prove it.

Scientists with ESA generated a heat map of continental Europe using data collected by the space agency's Copernicus Sentinel-3's Sea and Land Surface Temperature Radiometer. The map shows the temperature of the land across Europe on June 26.

The heatwave currently gripping Europe is producing record temperatures for June. In France, thermometers are registering 100 degrees Fahrenheit, moving Paris officials to ban certain vehicles inside the city.

Cities throughout Spain, Italy and Germany also experienced extreme highs on Wednesday and Thursday. In Catalonia, wildfires fueled by the extreme heat and winds are quickly spreading.

The heatwave has already claimed several lives, and officials are concerned that they could experience a repeat of the 2003 heatwave that killed thousands.

According to meteorologists, extremely hot air from North Africa is being pulled northward across Europe by a region of high pressure stalled over central and eastern Europe. The slow movement of warm air across the continent is being encouraged by a storm stalled over the North Atlantic.

Several studies have blamed climate change for the increased risk of heatwaves in Europe.

As CO2 levels continue to encourage rising ocean and air temperatures, and as slowing atmospheric currents cause extreme weather to persist, heatwaves are expected to get hotter and last longer.

Related Links
Earth Observation News - Suppiliers, Technology and Application

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Benin leaps into 21st century with new national map
Cotonou (AFP) June 28, 2019
The last time that cartographers mapped Benin, Elvis Presley had just released "Jailhouse Rock," the Soviets had launched Sputnik - and the country was still a colony named French Dahomey. Things in the West African state have sure changed since 1957, and the old maps were left in the dust as the population nearly quadrupled and cities and towns expanded relentlessly. Today, though, map-makers are proud to unveil a 21st-century digital chart that they hope will serve Benin for many years, helpi ... read more