Global Heat Events of 2012

While not as spatially or temporally extensive as the heat over North America, several excessive heat events were observed around the globe during 2012. The most substantial heat event occurred across much of southeastern Europe, as a broad upper-level ridge remained situated over the region from early July to early August. An all-time record high was set in Morocco of 50°C on July 17, with temperatures as high as 46°C in Serbia. Heat alerts were raised from Italy through the Balkans. Following a strong cold front through the region, extreme southeastern Europe cooled off, while a ridge built across central Europe; many places that had experienced an anomalously cold summer had their only heat event of the year. Though not nearly as long-lasting as 2003, high temperatures exceeded 40°C in parts of central Europe, and extreme values in some cities exceeded those of 2003. Increased hospitalizations for heat-related mortality were observed throughout the continent, but increases in mortality were not as excessive as in past events. Across India, a delayed monsoon arrival across eastern parts of the country allowed much of the region to warm excessively during late May and early June, with high temperatures exceeding 40°C over wide areas, with some cities approaching 50°C. Heat-related mortality was estimated to be over 500 through the course of the event.