According to a study just published by Swiss Researchers, the summers from 1994 to 2003 were the hottest in Europe for more than 500 years. They found that the climate has been generally warming with last summer the most torrid of all. Record temperatures were recorded in most of the major cities of Europe. On August 11th, the mercury soared to 38.5C (101.3F) in Brogdale, Kent, making it the hottest day ever recorded in the UK.

In stark contrast to the heat, on Thursday, Seoul in South Korea has had the biggest March snow storm for 100 years. Snow blanketed the central region of South Korea overnight, forcing schools to close and bringing traffic to a standstill on Friday.

The storm deposited more than 18cm (7inches) of snow in the capital Seoul. This amounted to the largest one-day snowfall in March since the Korea Meteorological Administration began keeping records a century ago.

The snow is still drifting with a further 5 to 10 cm likely in Seoul today.

Parts of the USA have not been without their problems either. In parts of Texas and Arizona, heavy downpours and strong winds have caused havoc.

During Thursday, an area from west Texas to Dallas-Fort Worth, encountered a strong line of thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds of up to 50mph. This resulted in trees literally being bent sideways, and caused delays and cancellations to flights.

In Phoenix, Arizona, a winter storm brought hail the size of a 10p coin, making it look more reminiscent of a Christmas scene. Heavy rainfall left many city streets flooded.
The weather is improving today, and by the weekend the forecast is for temperatures to creep into the mid 20s Celsius.

Related Links :
BBC - Climate Change
Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research

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Weather News from the last five days:
04/03/2004
03/03/2004
02/03/2004
01/03/2004
29/02/2004

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