Heat Wave Scorches EuropeA ''thermal invasion'' from the Sahara desert has created a scorching heat wave in southeast Europe, breaking century-old records and claiming at least eight lives across the region.Temperatures reached as high as 111 degrees in Turkey,Bulgaria, Greece, Romania and Italy on Wednesday, and many regions were bracing for even hotter weather Thursday.In Romania, hospitals were overcrowded with patients who suffered heart attacks, heat-related shock or fainting spells. The Romanian government told employees to stay home because many offices lack air conditioning. In Bulgaria, the heat has killed four elderly people hospitalized at least 50. The average temperature for much of the Balkans at this time of year varies between 86 degrees and 95 degrees. A cooler air mass from central Europe may not break through until Tuesday. |
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