The United Nations weather agency has warned that extreme temperatures are "the new normal". Scientists say climate change is making heatwaves longer, hotter and more frequent. Many countries have been experiencing record hot weather the past week. In parts the USA and China, the mercury went 50ºC (122ºF). In Death Valley, California, it was 53.9ºC; and Xinjiang, China, it got to 52.2ºC. In Spain and Italy, the temperature rose 46ºC. Many European countries and Japan have issued heat alerts. They advised people to stay the shade and drink plenty water. The U.N. weather agency has warned Europe's heatwave could continue another month.
A spokesperson the United Nations warned the need to cut greenhouse gas emissions. He said: "Extreme weather is increasing frequency in our warming climate. It is having a major impact human health…and water supplies." He added: "We have to step efforts to help society adapt to what is unfortunately becoming the new normal." The European Travel Commission said the extreme heat is making holidaymakers change their travel plans. People who used to holiday Spain, Italy and Greece are choosing to go to cooler countries instead. A woman who wanted to "escape the heat" going to Rome complained that the Italian capital was hotter than her hometown Texas.
