Europe is experiencing an intense heatwave, with temperatures expected to rise further and potentially break records. The heatwave has already led to various measures and disruptions across the continent. In France, alcohol consumption has been banned in areas under the highest alert level. Sports events in Spain and Germany have been canceled or postponed. Scientists attribute these repeated heatwaves to global warming, primarily caused by the burning of fossil fuels. Experts warn that such heatwaves will become more frequent, prolonged, and severe in the future.
Impact on European Countries
In France, despite the extreme heat, the annual music festival Fête de la Musique took place. However, a free concert at the Louvre Museum's pyramid was canceled. The government has prohibited alcohol consumption in public areas under the highest alert level to ensure public health and order. Temperatures have already exceeded 40°C in some regions, with a record 42.2°C recorded in Pissos. Authorities have issued red alerts for 35 departments, covering nearly a third of the country. By Monday, this is expected to rise to 49 out of 96 departments.
In Germany, the Berlin Open Tennis Tournament's final was temporarily suspended due to severe thunderstorms. The capital Berlin saw temperatures above 30°C over the weekend. In Belgium, temperatures exceeded 30°C, with warnings of potentially record-breaking heat in the coming week. The national rail company SNCB has canceled some train services to prevent infrastructure damage from the heat.
Spain has declared its first official heatwave of the year, with temperatures expected to reach 44°C in some areas. Public screenings of the FIFA World Cup match between Spain and Saudi Arabia in Madrid were canceled. The intense heat has led to crowded beaches and increased use of fans and umbrellas in Spain and Portugal. Switzerland's weather department has warned of 'intense heatwaves' with temperatures up to 37°C, particularly in lowland areas. The Balkan region, including Croatia and Serbia, is also preparing for high temperatures, with 'orange alerts' likely to be issued.
The UK's Met Office has warned of extreme heat from Monday to Thursday, with temperatures potentially reaching 38°C in parts of England and Wales. Nighttime temperatures are also expected to remain unusually high, with 'tropical nights' possible in southern England. The Royal Meteorological Society's CEO, Liz Bentley, predicts unprecedented heatwaves this week, potentially breaking June's temperature record of 35.6°C. University of Reading researcher Akshay Deoras warns of significant impacts on public health, infrastructure, and emergency services.
