Britain, France, Switzerland and Germany have all recorded unusually high June temperatures, while forecasters warned that additional records could be broken as the heat advances toward Poland.
Scientists said the extreme weather would have been virtually impossible without human-driven climate change, noting that this week’s unusually warm night-time temperatures were about 100 times more likely than they were two decades ago.
Germany recorded a preliminary all-time high of 41.3°C on Friday near Saarbruecken, close to the French border, according to the country’s National Meteorological Service.
Authorities issued extreme heat warnings across most of Germany, urging residents to conserve water. Temperatures of around 36°C were forecast nationwide, with some areas expected to reach 42°C.
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France has reported dozens of heat-related deaths, while temperatures above 40°C have disrupted rail services and power generation, forced school closures, prompted alcohol restrictions and led to the postponement of outdoor events.
Meteorologist Karsten Brandt of Donnerwetter.de said, “The heatwave is going to peak at the weekend at well over 40 degrees in some parts of Germany.”
The Ironman European Championship in Frankfurt also shortened its cycling and running courses because of the extreme heat.
In Italy, the Health Ministry placed 18 cities, including Milan, Rome, Turin, Venice, Genoa, Florence and Bologna, under red heat alerts for the weekend, with temperatures expected to reach 39°C in some areas.
Italian singer Loredana Bertè cancelled her scheduled concert in Bergamo on medical advice, saying, “Performing under these conditions would pose a real risk to my health.”
To reduce pressure on transport infrastructure, German rail operator Deutsche Bahn allowed passengers to cancel long-distance bookings without penalty through early next week, citing risks to tracks, signals and overhead power lines from extreme heat, thunderstorms and wildfires.
Rail operator National Express also suspended services on part of its Rhine-Ruhr-Express line in North Rhine-Westphalia as a precaution.
The German Association of Towns and Municipalities urged residents to use water responsibly. Its CEO, Andre Berghegger, said, “We should rely on voluntary cooperation as long as possible; local authorities should only issue bans if that doesn’t work.”
Forecasters expect the worst of the heat to ease over the weekend, with heavy thunderstorms likely on Sunday.
Across Europe, the heatwave has forced the closure of cultural landmarks, damaged agriculture and placed additional strain on hospitals.
According to newsmen, temperatures have climbed as much as 18°C above seasonal averages, driven by an Omega block weather pattern that traps hot air over regions for extended periods while cooler air remains around its edges.
Demand for electric fans and air conditioners has surged, particularly benefiting Asian manufacturers, while experts note that many homes in Northern Europe were designed to retain heat rather than keep it out.
The World Meteorological Organization said the heatwave is expected to shift toward Central Europe and the Balkans by the end of the month.
Reuters
