August 2003 UK Heatwave

Question 1

Cause

Answer 1

Anticyclone was situated over Western Europe for most of August

Question 2

Anticyclone

Answer 2

Area of high pressure
Air moves around it clockwise (bringing hot, dry air from central Europe to the UK)
Blocked low pressure systems (cold and wet) from the Atlantic

Question 3

Health issues caused

Answer 3

Heat stroke
Dehydration
Sunburn
Breathing problems (from air pollution)
Drowning (when trying to cool off)

Question 4

Deaths from linked causes

Answer 4

Around 2,000

Question 5

Number of people injured from lightning strikes caused by the heat wave

Answer 5

20

Question 6

Water supplies were threatened by

Answer 6

Falling levels in resevoirs

Question 7

Food supply threatened by

Answer 7

Dying livestock and lower crop yields (from a lack of water)

Question 8

Transport affected by

Answer 8

Train delays caused by buckling tracks

Question 9

NHS and media guidance included

Answer 9

Drinking lots of water
Have cool baths and showers
Block out sunlight from rooms

Question 10

Water shortages limited by

Answer 10

Having hose pipe bans in some areas

Question 11

Train delays stopped by

Answer 11

Imposing speed limits
Painting some rails white

Question 12

Gov created a

Answer 12

Heat wave plan outlining future responses to heat waves

Question 13

Working hours

Answer 13

Were limited and those working outside started earlier

Question 14

The UK department for Health has to produce

Answer 14

A heat wave advice document every year