On the one hand, sweltering heat in Europe, on the other hand heavy rain…

WMO spokeswoman Clare Nullis, speaking at the United Nations (UN) Geneva Office weekly press conference, said the heat wave, which affected much of Europe, continues.

Stating that the temperature danger level has risen to 3-4 levels in much of Switzerland and that warnings have been issued on this issue, Nullis said the severe melting of glaciers in the country continues this year as well. Nullis claimed that temperatures in France rose to 40 degrees.

Noting that high nighttime temperatures negatively affect human health in Europe, Nullis noted that Norway has warned of heavy rain.

While Nullis noted that there is an increase in tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean, Gert, Franklin and Harold noted that tropical storms are experiencing an alarming level, while Storm Franklin is causing flooding in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Stating that Hurricane Hilary has lost its impact, Nullis emphasized that Southern California, which rarely witnessed such events, was also affected by the hurricane.

Nullis claimed that nearly all rainfall records were broken in Los Angeles, adding that the wettest day of all time was recorded in Death Valley.

SNOW COVER IS NOW AVAILABLE ONLY TO HIGH ALTITUDES IN SWITZERLAND

Stating that the effect of extreme temperatures on extreme glaciers was investigated, Nullis said that snowpack in Switzerland is now only available at its highest altitudes.

“At this stage, there are no precise statistics on the number of people who die from extreme temperatures in DME. The country’s authorities will collect and share such information when the time comes.” he said.

Recalling that summer is near the end of Northern Hemisphere weather, Nullis said it’s hard to say definitively that heat waves are over.

SUPREME HEATS ARE EFFECTIVE IN SWITZERLAND

The Swiss Federal Office for Meteorology and Climatology (MeteoSwiss) reported that temperatures were measured around 35 degrees at noon in many regions over the weekend.

In the cantons of Valais and Vaud, the temperature reached 35 degrees on the afternoon of August 20, while the thermometers in Geneva marked 36.2 degrees at noon.

Due to the heat wave, work plans were changed in some cantons. A construction union also called for construction work to be halted due to the high temperatures, citing health and safety concerns.

While sweltering hot weather is forecast to continue across Switzerland through the end of the week, citizens are warned to be careful. (AA)