Europe Endures Scorching Heatwave with Temperatures Exceeding 40°C

Severe Heatwave Impacts Europe with Record Temperatures

A severe heatwave has swept across Europe over the past week, leading to widespread heat alerts in numerous countries. The continent is experiencing some of its highest temperatures in recent history, with several nations recording extreme heat that has raised concerns among health officials and climate experts.

Portugal: Breaking Records and Facing Unusual Weather

Portugal was one of the hardest-hit countries, with temperatures forecasted to reach 43 degrees Celsius. Authorities issued a red heat warning for seven out of 18 districts. The town of Mora, located west of Lisbon, recorded a staggering 46.6 degrees Celsius on Sunday, breaking the previous record of 44.9 degrees Celsius set in 2017. While the situation appears to be stabilizing, some inland areas are still expected to see temperatures peak at 43 degrees Celsius.

In an unusual twist, a rare roll cloud resembling a “tsunami” appeared along the Portuguese coast, surprising sunbathers. Meanwhile, Lisbon is expected to reach 33 degrees Celsius, which is typical for this time of year.

Spain: Unprecedented Heat in Barcelona and Beyond

Spain also faced extreme conditions, with Barcelona experiencing its hottest June in over a century. The Fabra Observatory reported an average temperature of 26 degrees Celsius for June, surpassing the previous record of 25.6 degrees Celsius from 2003. In Zaragoza and Bilbao, temperatures were nine degrees higher than the seasonal average, while Huelva recorded a scorching 46 degrees Celsius on Saturday. The national average for Sunday reached 28 degrees Celsius, setting a new record since 1950.

The heat is expected to persist until Thursday, prompting warnings about the risks of wildfires due to the lack of rain and high temperatures.

France: Warnings and Disruptions

France saw 16 departments placed under the highest red alert by Météo-France, with 68 others under orange alerts. The Paris region was particularly affected, and the government urged citizens to take precautions. Schools across the country will be partially or fully closed, and the Eiffel Tower’s summit will remain closed until Thursday.

Climate experts warn that extreme summers will become more common in the future, with projections suggesting France could be up to 4 degrees Celsius warmer by 2100. This could lead to temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius annually, with potential heat spikes reaching 50 degrees Celsius.

Italy: Heatwave and Natural Disasters

Italy experienced a heatwave in 17 out of 27 major cities, according to the Health Ministry. A tragic incident occurred near Bologna, where a 46-year-old man collapsed while working on a school parking lot, with heat suspected as the cause. An autopsy is ongoing.

In addition to the heat, parts of northern Italy faced torrential rains, leading to landslides and flooding in areas like Bardonecchia. Rome has been particularly affected, with temperatures consistently above 35 degrees Celsius for weeks.

Belgium: Railway Challenges and Safety Measures

Belgium faced disruptions in its railway system, with many trains cancelled between Monday and Wednesday. Over 20 P-trains were suspended to prevent overheating of overhead lines. Rail operators advised passengers to avoid rush hour travel and to carry sufficient water.

Free water fountains were made available at all major stations, and additional teams were dispatched to handle any breakdowns. A spokesperson for SNCB highlighted the risks of equipment failure due to the extreme weather, including issues with catenary systems and air conditioning.

As the heatwave continues, European countries are taking measures to protect public health and infrastructure, while scientists warn that such extreme weather events may become more frequent in the coming years.