Europe Batters by Record Heatwave; Climate Change Cited as Driver
From Scandinavia to the Alps, Europeans endured sweltering conditions on Saturday as a heatwave linked to dozens of deaths moved eastwards, with record-breaking temperatures breaching 40 degrees Celsius in some locations.
Denmark recorded its highest-ever temperature after Britain, France, Switzerland, and Germany had all experienced record heat in June. The weather system then began moving towards Poland.
Scientists stated that the heatwave would have been virtually impossible without human-induced climate change, which has made this week's night-time temperatures 100 times more likely than they would have been two decades ago.
“The heatwave is going to peak at the weekend at well over 40°C in some parts of Germany,” said Karsten Brandt, a meteorologist at weather forecasting site Donnerwetter.de.
On Friday, a new German record of 41.3°C was recorded near the city of Saarbruecken on the French border, according to Germany's National Meteorological Service, citing preliminary data.
The Danish Meteorological Institute reported a reading of 37°C north of the city of Aarhus on Saturday, the highest since measurements began in 1874.
Urgent Calls for Water Conservation
The service issued extreme heat warnings for nearly all of Germany on Saturday, as authorities urged people to save water. Temperatures of 36°C were expected across the country, with local highs of 42°C possible. Temperatures rose well over 30°C across nearly all of Poland.
In France, dozens of people, both young and old, have died during the heatwave. Temperatures above 40°C disrupted rail travel and power generation, sparked alcohol bans, suspended schools, and postponed outdoor events.
Italy's Health Ministry issued a red alert for the heatwave in 18 cities, including Milan, Rome, Turin, Venice, Genoa, Florence, and Bologna for Saturday and Sunday, with temperatures expected to climb as high as 39°C.
Friday was the warmest June night on record in Bolzano in the Italian Alps, with overnight temperatures not dipping below 25.4°C, according to city meteorologist Dieter Peterlin.
The French Prime Minister's office stated that although the heatwave is moving on, pressure on the healthcare system would persist, and hospitalisations would remain high for several days.
Reports of wildfires in France have increased compared to the same period last year, officials said.
Rail Travel Disrupted; Events Adjusted
Struggling with the prospect of damage to infrastructure, including buckling roads and swelling train tracks, some major rail providers sought to reduce traffic. German national rail operator Deutsche Bahn allowed customers to cancel long-distance travel into early next week without charge to ease pressure on its network. Another operator, National Express, said it would suspend some trains on Saturday afternoon in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's most populous state, as a precaution.
Near Hamburg, the main traffic lane on one of Germany's busiest motorways was partially closed after the heat caused asphalt to split, authorities said.
In Switzerland, the Lausanne Pride march was due to go ahead on Saturday with extra water fountains and first responders, while Milan's Pride march was postponed until 5 p.m. to avoid the worst of the heat. The Ironman European Championship long-distance triathlon in Frankfurt shortened the cycling and running courses on Sunday due to the heat.
Record Temperatures Driven by 'Omega Block' Phenomenon
The most extreme heat is forecast to begin fading at the weekend, with heavy thunderstorms expected on Sunday. Across Europe, cultural landmarks have had to close, farming has suffered, and some hospitals have struggled to cope. The heatwave pushed temperatures well above their seasonal average, driven by a weather pattern known as an 'Omega Block', which traps hot air over the continent.
According to climate scientists, such extreme events are becoming more frequent and intense due to global warming, underscoring the urgent need for mitigation and adaptation measures.
