Last night, 'code red' has been called in our entire country. Whereas the normal average temperature is about 18°C in July, we're now suffering from temperatures of 40°C and more...
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Hottest Day Ever
Today as been the hottest day since the beginning of the meteorologic measurements in 1833 here in Belgium. I realize 40°C (104°F) might be pretty common for some of you, but it definitely isn't for us.
In general, Belgium has a temperate maritime climate and we're happy to see temperatures up to 27°C during summer. This heath is way out of our league!
It's basically too hot to do anything, going outside included.
We've been able to keep a lot of the heath out by taping aluminium-foil to the windows to reflect the sun, but still, it's smoking hot in here. I have done nothing but sleep all day. At the moment, It's 8pm, and I've only just put a foot outside, only to step into our inflatable swimming pool instantly, trying to get that body temperature down.
The poor chicken are really suffering from the heath, not to mention the plants. This afternoon, it looked like the plastic cover of my greenhouse was melting....
Code Red
For the first time in the history of our little country, a 'code red' has been called by the KMI, The Royal Meteorological Institute.
'Code Red' is nothing more than a warning and some tips that are being given out to keep people safe from the heath, trying to avoid dramas like we had in 2013, when an number of (older) people died because of, for example, dehydration.
Climate Change
According to research from the World Weather Attribution Network, this extreme heath is a direct result of the ongoing climate changes. We've been experiencing heat waves 5 summers in a row, which has never happened before.
Summer are getting hotter, winters are getting wetter, and if industrialized countries like our own don't manage to reduce greenhouse gas emissions fast and effective, this is only going to get worse.
