Berlin: A severe heatwave sweeping across Europe has claimed dozens of lives and shattered temperature records in several countries, with mercury crossing 40°C in parts of the continent. The extreme weather has disrupted transport, strained power generation, affected agriculture and prompted health warnings as scorching conditions spread from Western Europe towards Central and Eastern Europe.
Germany, Denmark, the Czech Republic and Switzerland recorded unprecedented June temperatures, while France, Italy and the United Kingdom continued to battle the effects of the prolonged heatwave.
Scientists have warned that the intensity of the heat has been significantly amplified by human-induced climate change, making such extreme temperatures far more likely than in previous decades.
Several countries register record temperatures
Germany recorded a preliminary all-time high of 41.5°C in Moeckern-Drewitz in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, surpassing the previous day’s record of 41.3°C, according to the country’s Meteorological Service.
In Denmark, the Danish Meteorological Institute reported 37°C north of Aarhus, the highest temperature recorded in the country since measurements began in 1874.
The Czech Republic also witnessed record-breaking heat, with temperatures reaching 40.9°C north of Prague.
Switzerland experienced its hottest June day on record, while Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, registered its warmest night ever recorded.
In Berlin, where temperatures climbed to 39°C, police deployed water cannons to spray people in public spaces and help them cool down amid the intense heat.
Scientists link heatwave to climate change
Climate scientists have said the ongoing heatwave would have been virtually impossible without human-driven climate change.
According to experts cited by Reuters, rising global temperatures have made extremely warm nights about 100 times more likely than they were just two decades ago.
German Green Party leader Katrin Goering-Eckardt described the situation as a public health emergency rather than typical summer weather.
Authorities across Germany issued nationwide extreme heat warnings as temperatures continued to rise across much of the country.
Heat disrupts transport and energy supply
The prolonged heat has affected transport infrastructure across Europe.
Near Hamburg, one of Germany’s busiest motorways was partially closed after the asphalt cracked due to the extreme temperatures.
Rail operators also faced disruptions, with Deutsche Bahn allowing passengers to cancel long-distance journeys into the following week because of the weather.
National Express temporarily suspended some train services in North Rhine-Westphalia as a precaution against heat-related infrastructure damage.
The soaring temperatures also impacted electricity generation.
Hungary’s Paks Nuclear Power Plant reduced output from one reactor after the River Danube warmed significantly, while Switzerland’s Beznau Nuclear Power Station temporarily shut down reactors because of rising temperatures in the River Aare.
France and Italy face severe heat emergency
France continued to report dozens of heat-related deaths among both young and elderly residents.
Temperatures exceeding 40°C disrupted rail services, affected electricity generation, led to temporary school closures and forced the postponement of outdoor events.
Authorities also imposed alcohol restrictions in certain areas and extended the country’s summer sales period after consumer activity slowed due to the extreme weather.
Italy’s Health Ministry issued a red alert for 18 cities, including Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice, Turin, Bologna and Genoa, warning residents about the risks posed by the intense heat.
The River Po, Italy’s longest river, has witnessed dramatically reduced water levels, allowing seawater to move further inland and threatening agriculture and local ecosystems.
Sporting events and public gatherings affected
Several outdoor events across Europe were modified because of the heatwave.
The Ironman European Championship in Frankfurt shortened its cycling and running routes to reduce health risks for participants.
In Switzerland, organisers of the Lausanne Pride march installed additional water stations and deployed more first responders.
Meanwhile, Milan’s Pride parade was rescheduled to the evening to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Even the Alps offered little respite, with Bolzano in northern Italy recording overnight temperatures above 25°C, setting a new June record and raising concerns about accelerated glacier melting.
Health warnings remain in place
Authorities across Europe have urged residents to remain indoors during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated and avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
The ongoing heatwave has highlighted the growing challenges posed by extreme weather, including threats to public health, infrastructure, agriculture and energy security.
Meteorological agencies expect high temperatures to persist in several parts of Europe over the coming days, with governments continuing to monitor the situation and issue public health advisories.