Europe heat wave intensifies: Temperatures hit records, death toll rises, UK extends warning, France cuts nuclear power | Today’s news
A severe heatwave that has swept through western Europe has pushed temperatures to record highs, disrupted daily life, disrupted power supplies and been linked to hundreds of deaths. Authorities in France, Britain, Germany, Spain and Italy have issued warnings as millions of people face extreme temperatures rarely seen at the start of summer.
Record temperatures break June highs
Several countries reported unprecedented temperatures.
Paris recorded a June record of 40.9C, while Britain provisionally recorded its hottest June day on record at 36.1C in Hampshire. France also experienced its hottest day since records began in 1947, with a national average temperature of 30°C.
Germany is forecast to see temperatures between 35°C and 41°C, raising the possibility of new national records.
Why is it so hot in Europe?
Meteorologists attribute the heat wave to an “Omega block” of weather, which is a high-pressure system that keeps hot air over an area for long periods of time.
This phenomenon pushed temperatures up to 18°C above normal in some areas. Scientists say climate change is intensifying such extreme weather events, making heat waves more frequent and more severe.
UN climate chief Simon Stiell has blamed fossil fuel emissions for exacerbating extreme heat and warned that unless global emissions are cut, temperatures will continue to rise.
The death toll is rising across Europe
Extreme weather has been linked to a rising death toll.
Spain’s mortality monitoring system estimated that the heat wave may have contributed to 212 deaths from Sunday to Wednesday.
In France, local authorities reported several likely heat-related deaths, while Paris officials warned of a rising death toll and increasing pressure on emergency services.
Italy reported at least five heat-related deaths, while authorities warned that up to 1.5 million outdoor workers could face health risks in the coming days.
Children among the victims
The heat wave proved especially dangerous for children.
A three-year-old boy has died after becoming stuck in the family’s car near Paris during extreme heat, the third such tragedy in France in a week. Two other children, aged two and four, were found dead in the vehicle earlier in the week.
Authorities are urging parents and caregivers to remain vigilant as temperatures remain dangerously high.
Energy production has been hit by soaring temperatures
The heat wave also affects the energy infrastructure.
France’s EDF temporarily shut down two nuclear reactors and reduced power at others as temperatures in rivers used for cooling rose above environmental limits. Nuclear energy accounts for almost 70% of French electricity production.
Schools and public services are disrupted
The heat has forced widespread closures and traffic disruptions.
France placed 13,500 schools on special timetables or closed them completely, while more than 1,000 schools in Britain were partially or completely closed as classroom temperatures exceeded 40C.
French authorities have also activated the highest level of mobilization of health services, allowing hospitals to postpone non-urgent procedures and focus on heat-related cases.
Millions of warnings under the heat
At least 101 million people across Europe are expected to face temperatures above 35°C, including around 50 million people in France and 18 million in Germany.
Britain’s Met Office has extended its rare red heat warning for a third day in a row, warning of significant disruption to daily life.
Could it rival the deadly heat wave of 2003?
Meteorologists warn that the current heatwave could rival Europe’s devastating 2003 heatwave, which killed almost 15,000 people in France alone.
While temperatures are expected to gradually cool in some regions, authorities remain concerned about the impact on public health, infrastructure and vulnerable populations as the heat wave continues across much of the continent.
