Temperatures Hit 38C as Amber Heat Warning Is Issued
Listen to the story
Temperatures have climbed to 38C on Thursday, as a rare amber extreme heat warning remains in effect. The heatwave is affecting many areas.
An amber warning is more serious than the usual yellow warning. It means the heat could affect health and daily life for many people, not just those most at risk.
This warning is unusual, showing how extreme the current weather is. Officials say the heat is spiking again after already being high.
Several temperature records have been broken as the heat continues. This suggests the current heatwave is one of the strongest in recent memory.
Health officials are urging people to take precautions during the extreme heat. This includes drinking plenty of water and avoiding strong sun in the middle of the day.
People are also advised to check on elderly neighbours and relatives, as they can be more vulnerable to extreme heat.
The rapid rise in temperature has been described as a heat spike, meaning conditions have quickly become more intense than before.
Weather services are continuing to monitor the situation closely. Many people are following updates to learn when the heat is expected to ease.
Authorities have not given a clear end date for the amber warning, but they say conditions remain dangerous for now.
Vocabulary7 words
- amber extreme heat warning
- an official message saying heat could be dangerous
- heatwave
- a period of very hot weather
- extreme
- very strong; much more than normal
- temperature records
- the highest heat numbers ever measured
- precautions
- actions taken to stay safe
- vulnerable
- easily harmed or hurt
- spike
- a sudden, fast increase
Quiz
Answer key
1. 38C 2. It is rare and shows extreme conditions 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Temperatures have climbed to 38C on Thursday, as a rare _____ remains in effect. The _____ is affecting many areas.
An amber warning is more serious than the usual yellow warning. It means the heat could affect _____ and daily life for many people.
This warning is unusual, showing how _____ the current weather is. Officials say the heat is spiking again after already being high.
Several _____ have been broken as the heat continues. This suggests the current heatwave is one of the strongest in recent memory.
Health officials are urging people to take _____ during the extreme heat. This includes drinking plenty of water and avoiding strong sun.
People are also advised to check on elderly neighbours and relatives, as they can be more _____ to extreme heat.
The rapid rise in temperature has been described as a heat _____, meaning conditions have quickly become more intense.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think an amber warning is issued instead of a lower-level one?
- How do heatwaves affect daily life differently for different groups of people?
- What precautions do you take when temperatures rise sharply where you live?
- Do you think extreme heat events are becoming more common? Why or why not?
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