The smallest mention of a heatwave in the UK leads to ice creams selling out, barbecues heating up and shorts being dusted off as the nation celebrates. In June this year, air temperatures in parts of the country soared to over 90 F (33 C), while sharp increases were also felt across Europe, the US and Asia. Air temperatures were recorded in excess of 18 F (10 C) above the average for the time of year in many cities, according to the World Meteorological Organisation. But new heat maps released by the European Space Agency (ESA) show that this might not be such a cause for celebration. They reveal that heat dissipated more slowly in urban areas creating'heat islands' and make life more of a struggle. Experts are worried that this effect will only be exacerbated as climate change continues to take hold.