In 2010, western Russia, Belorussia, Ukraine, and the Baltic nations experienced more than 10°C increase in temperature with numerous cities registering readings near 40°C. In part, the heatwave was caused by both anticyclonic blocking and the presence of elevated levels of greenhouse gases. As this is described as a unique event, since it was abrupt and unpredicted, preventative measures and early warning were not carried out on a timely basis. The effects of heatwaves such as droughts, wildfires and widespread loss of crops have indirect public health impacts but will contribute to the mortality rates that resulted that summer, additionally, deaths caused by heat illness and the effects of poor air quality will be more obviously and immediately recorded due to this disaster. This historical event led to 55,000 deaths and may appear to be an isolated event since it is the worst that has transpired in 130 years, but this phenomenon will likely reoccur and lead to more severe heat waves in the future.
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