Intense Heatwave Grips Europe: Record Temperatures and Health Alerts
A historic heatwave is sweeping across Europe, with France experiencing an unprecedented number of heat alerts. Currently, 84 out of 96 departments in mainland France are under an orange alert, the second highest level of warning. Climate Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher has described the situation as "unprecedented," reflecting the severity of the ongoing heat.
Heat warnings extend beyond France, impacting countries like Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, the UK, and several Balkan nations, including Croatia. Over the weekend, both Spain and Portugal recorded their hottest June days ever. In Andalucía, temperatures soared to a staggering 46°C, while central Portugal’s Mora hit 46.6°C.
As the heatwave continues, emergency medical services across many nations are on high alert, advising residents to stay indoors whenever possible. In France alone, nearly 200 schools have closed or partially closed due to the extreme weather. Education Minister Elisabeth Borne is collaborating with regional authorities to ensure the safety of schoolchildren, allowing parents the option to keep their kids at home.
The heatwave has also sparked wildfires, particularly in the southern Corbières mountain range, leading to evacuations and the temporary closure of highways. Fortunately, fire authorities have managed to contain these blazes.
In Italy, 21 cities, including major hubs like Rome, Milan, and Venice, are under the highest alert level. Mario Guarino, vice president of the Italian Society of Emergency Medicine, reported a 10% rise in heatstroke cases across hospitals in the country. Meanwhile, the UK is bracing for potential record-breaking temperatures, with some regions expecting highs of 34°C or more.
Residents are feeling the effects of this heatwave. Anabel Sanchez, a 21-year-old from Seville, shared her struggles with insomnia and heat-related health issues, underscoring the impact on daily life. Portugal is also facing severe heat, with seven districts, including Lisbon, under the highest alert status. The German Meteorological Service has warned that temperatures could reach nearly 38°C in the coming days.
The heatwave has created additional challenges, such as lowered water levels in the Rhine River, a critical shipping route, which has increased freight costs and limited cargo transport.
Countries in the Balkans are experiencing similar heat challenges, albeit with some slight cooling. In Turkey, firefighters are battling hundreds of wildfires, including one in the Seferihisar district near Izmir, which has already destroyed homes and forced evacuations. Croatia is also facing severe heat warnings, particularly in coastal regions.
Greece has seen temperatures nearing 40°C, leading to devastating wildfires that have destroyed homes and prompted evacuations. Serbia reported its hottest day on record recently, while Sarajevo experienced a record high of 38.8°C.
The ongoing heatwave highlights the urgent need for climate adaptation. Volker Turk, the UN’s human rights chief, emphasized the critical nature of addressing climate change, stating that rising temperatures and extreme weather events threaten fundamental human rights. According to the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, heatwaves are becoming more frequent and severe due to human-induced climate change.
As the planet continues to warm, experts like Professor Richard Allan from the University of Reading warn that rising greenhouse gas levels hinder the Earth’s ability to shed excess heat, intensifying heatwaves and transforming moderate weather events into extreme situations.
Stay informed and take precautions during this challenging heatwave as Europe grapples with the effects of climate change.
