Record Heatwave Hits Europe, Causing Deaths, Power Outages, and School Closures

A record heatwave is sweeping across Europe, leading to fatalities, widespread power outages, train cancellations, school closures, and disruptions at tourist sites.

According to Reuters and the UK daily Telegraph, the current heatwave is attributed to an "Omega block" phenomenon, which creates a heat dome. This occurs when high pressure is situated in the center, flanked by low pressure, causing jet streams to stagnate and trapping heat from the Sahara Desert over Western Europe.

In France, the country has recorded its hottest days since weather observations began in 1947, with average temperatures across 30 monitoring stations reaching 30 degrees Celsius on June 24, surpassing the previous day's record of 29.8 degrees. The southwestern city of Pissos saw temperatures peak at 44.3 degrees on June 23, while Paris recorded 40.9 degrees on June 24, setting a new record for June.

Fatalities have also been reported. Reuters cites French authorities stating that at least 48 heat-related deaths, including drownings, have been confirmed. In Spain, where temperatures have soared above 40 degrees since the weekend, two elderly individuals have died from heat-related illnesses.

The power grid is under significant strain. On June 23, a substation in northwestern France shut down due to overheating, cutting power to 68,000 households. Authorities estimate that up to 106,000 households nationwide have experienced outages. Additionally, limited cooling water supply to nuclear reactors has led Électricité de France (EDF) to reduce nuclear output by 4.1 gigawatts, which is 7% of midday total power demand. Consequently, France's electricity exports have significantly decreased compared to the previous week.

According to AFP, approximately 44 million of France's 67 million residents are under a red heat alert. Data from the German Weather Service and the European Union's Joint Research Centre suggests that 94 million people in Europe are experiencing temperatures above 35 degrees, while over 350 million are exposed to temperatures exceeding 30 degrees.

The UK is also experiencing record heat. A heat alert is in effect for much of England and Wales, with temperatures in Hampshire reaching 36.1 degrees on June 24, marking the highest June temperature on record. The previous records were 35.6 degrees set in 1957 and 1976. The all-time highest temperature recorded in the UK was 40.3 degrees in July 2022. Last month, an early heatwave saw temperatures rise to 35.1 degrees, breaking the May record.

The heatwave is directly impacting daily life. The BBC reports that 1,100 schools in England and Wales have either closed or shortened their hours. Major rail companies have canceled numerous train services due to speed restrictions imposed to prevent track overheating, advising passengers to avoid non-essential travel.

Tourist attractions and cultural sites are also affected. The Eiffel Tower in Paris announced an early closure, while the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London has been scaled back. In Florence, Italy, the Uffizi Gallery halted ticket sales due to a malfunction in its air conditioning system caused by the extreme heat.

Demand for cooling devices has surged. French retailer Carrefour reported selling around 30,000 fans and air conditioners in just one day on June 22. Amazon's sales of cooling devices in France last week doubled compared to the same period last year.

On June 24, Italy's Health Ministry convened an emergency meeting to address the heatwave. A red heat alert has been issued for 16 cities, including Rome and Milan, with expectations that the alert will expand to 17 cities on June 25. Forecasts predict temperatures could reach 41 degrees in Florence and 38 degrees in Milan.

Belgium is also bracing for extreme heat, with temperatures expected to peak at 37 degrees on June 24, prompting an orange heatwave alert across the country. The Belgian Meteorological Institute reported that temperatures in most areas could reach around 35 degrees, marking the highest June 24 temperature since records began in 1833. The Atomium, a landmark in Brussels, has also adjusted its closing times due to the heat.

In the Netherlands, outdoor sports events have been canceled, public transport services have been reduced, and schools have moved to shortened hours. Poland has issued a heat alert from June 25 to 27, while Croatia has a red alert from June 26 to 27, and Hungary has a heat alert from June 27 to 30. According to Reuters Climate Monitor, temperatures across Europe are currently up to 18 degrees higher than average.

The World Health Organization has emphasized the need for urgent action. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated on X (formerly Twitter), "The data is clear. Temperatures in Europe are rising at about twice the global average, increasing the likelihood and intensity of extreme heat. We can no longer afford to delay; leaders must prioritize investments in climate-resilient health systems, accelerate climate action, and mitigate the causes of the climate crisis."

* This article has been translated by AI.

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