ROME, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Most of western Europe has been held in the grips of a major heatwave since early August, forcing governments to make drastic moves in many countries. Analysts have called for action as they say that hot spells are expected to become more common in the coming years.
Just in the last two weeks, England, Spain, France, Switzerland, and Germany are all reported to have set record highs: the coolest among them -- the sizzling 37.8 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) -- was recorded at London's Heathrow Airport, and the highest, 44 degrees Celsius in northern Spain.