Heatwaves Double Over 100 Years

The duration of heatwaves in Western Europe has doubled and the frequency of extremely hot days has nearly tripled since 1880, according to a study released yesterday. Periods of sweltering weather last an average of 3 days now compared to 1.5  in 1880, a shift that forebodes a higher rate of extreme weather events in the future, the BBC reports.

Scientists analyzed data from 54 recording stations from as far north as Finland and as far south as Spain. They said earlier scientists underestimated the growth in hot weather by as much as 30% because older thermometers did not protect against direct sunlight and indirect radiation. (More weather stories.)