People across the UK have enjoyed the sunshine this week, but they have also been advised to be careful as a heatwave hits much of the country.
A heatwave is a period of unusually hot weather, especially one that continues for a long time. They usually happen in summer. However, as the main cause of heatwaves, climate change is increasing the chance of heatwaves happening and making them worse. Compared with the UK, the present hot weather is even more extreme in some European countries—temperatures in southern Spain have reached 41℃.
Heatwaves can be a great danger to people’s health, especially for the elderly, children and people with certain health conditions. However, anyone can be influenced by such heat. A group of UK scientists have suggested that, just as storms are given names, we should name heatwaves in order to raise awareness (意识) of the health risks.
The Met Office, the UK’s national weather service, has given a warning about the possible results caused by heatwaves. Temperatures are expected to rise to 35°C, and the record for the UK’s hottest day could be broken. To deal with hot weather, the MO says people should try to stay at home between 11 am and 3 pm, when temperatures are at their highest and the sun is strongest. Make sure you wear a hat and drink plenty of water. If you are swimming outdoors to cool down, make sure you’re with a trusted adult and follow local safety advice.
16. What mainly causes heatwaves?
A.The health risk. | B.Climate change. |
C.The human activity. | D.High temperature. |
17. What does the underlined word “extreme” probably mean in Paragraph 2?
A.Serious. | B.Lovely. | C.Comfortable. | D.Difficult. |
18. Why did scientists suggest naming the heatwaves?
A.To put them under control. |
B.To protect children from them. |
C.To stop people from worrying about them. |
D.To make people realize the health risks out of them. |
19. What advice did the MO give the people in the UK?
A.Swim indoors. | B.Wear sunglasses. |
C.Drink much water. | D.Stay with friends. |
20. What can we learn about a heatwave from the passage?
A.It is also known as a storm. | B.It has only hit the UK so far. |
C.It often lasts a very short time. | D.It does harm to people’s health. |