EUROPEAN WEATHER.

Otago Witness, Issue 3618, 17 July 1923, Page 20

EUROPEAN WEATHER.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS. LONDON, July 10. The greatest thunderstorm in living memory raged in London for seven hours. Over 50 lightning flashes a minute were recorded. Nearly 2J,in of rain fell. Scores of houses were struck by lightning. Mr Justice Russell’s house, at Walton, was struck twice and was burnt down. Three thousand telephone lines were put out of action, and many of the Contiental trunk lines were interrupted. The city fire brigade responded to 40 calls. No loss of life is repotted. Violent thunderstorms are reported from Lausanne, Geneva, and the South of France, where the crops have been ruined.

HIGHEST TEMPERATURE FOR YEARS.

LONDON, July 14. To-day’s temperature of 93deg was the hottest in London for 12 years. An extraordinary feature is the hot winds which are being experienced. The heat wave has lasted continuously for 10 days and between 20 and 30 deaths have occurred, directly due to the heat. A large W 7 est End soda fountain establishment which has been kept open all night has been crowded.