Dangerous heatwave grips Western Europe, temperature records expected
A severe heatwave has hit Western Europe, with forecasters predicting temperature records. France has issued its highest alert in 49 departments, affecting about 35 million people.
Western Europe is experiencing a dangerous heatwave that, according to meteorologists, could break existing temperature records. In France, nearly half of the country's departments have been placed under the highest alert level, warning of a serious threat to human life. The heat is also affecting transportation, school operations, and sports events in several European countries, reports The Guardian.
French authorities on Monday issued a red alert for 49 of the country's 96 continental departments. The warning covers approximately 35 million residents, who are urged to take special precautions: drink water regularly, avoid physical exertion, and stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Another 40 departments are under an orange alert.
Météo-France, the French meteorological service, forecasts that temperatures will exceed 40 degrees Celsius in the western and central regions of the country. In Bordeaux, temperatures could reach 43°C, in Limoges 41°C, in Toulouse and Tours 40°C, and in Paris 39°C. A particular danger comes from the high nighttime temperatures, which have already reached historically high levels in several cities.
Due to the heat, more than 800 schools in France were closed on Monday, June 22, while about 1,800 other educational institutions altered their class schedules. In the Paris region, approximately one-tenth of regional train services were canceled because of concerns about track and train safety in the heat. In the Gironde department, officials reported that three elderly deaths may be partially linked to the extreme heat, and rescuers have also warned of an increased risk of drowning incidents.
The heatwave has also hit Spain, where the first official heatwave warning of the year has been issued, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 44°C in some places. In Madrid, a public screening of a Spanish national football team World Cup match was canceled. In Belgium, the heat is disrupting rail traffic, while in Germany, the final of the Berlin Open tennis tournament was interrupted due to a severe thunderstorm and high temperatures.
The United Kingdom has also issued an extreme heat warning for southern England and parts of Wales, where temperatures could reach 38°C. Scientists point out that such heatwaves are becoming more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting due to climate change. Moreover, they are increasingly observed outside the traditionally hottest summer months.
