PARIS: Tens of millions of people across Europe endured another day of extreme heat on Saturday as a deadly heatwave spread eastwards, with Germany, Denmark and the Czech Republic recording all-time temperature highs and more countries issuing red alerts for the days ahead.
Nearly 200 million people would experience temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius on Saturday as an exceptional heatwave continued across much of the continent, according to an AFP analysis of weather forecasts.
The prolonged hot spell has already claimed scores of lives through heat-related illnesses and drowning accidents, while hospitals and emergency services in several countries reported mounting pressure.
Scientists say the recurring heatwaves are a clear consequence of human-induced climate change driven by the burning of fossil fuels and are expected to become more frequent, longer and more intense.
Record temperatures across Europe
Germany’s national weather service (DWD) issued red alerts covering most of the country and reported a provisional all-time national temperature record of 41.5C at Drewitz in eastern Germany.
The reading surpassed the previous record of 41.3C set a day earlier near Saarbruecken. The DWD said temperatures could still approach 42C.
Denmark also broke its national temperature record twice within an hour. The Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) first recorded 36.6C north of Odense before temperatures climbed to 37C at Odum, north of Aarhus.
The previous Danish record of 36.4C had stood since August 1975.
The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI) reported a new national record of 40.6C at Doksany, north of Prague, surpassing the previous high of 40.4C recorded in 2012.
Switzerland also registered its hottest June day on record for the third consecutive day, with temperatures reaching a provisional 39C in Basel.
Meteorological agencies in Sweden warned temperatures in southern parts of the country could reach between 36C and 37C over the weekend.
More countries issue red alerts
Romania became the latest country to issue a red heat warning, forecasting extreme temperatures across most of the country from Monday to Wednesday.
Slovakia issued a similar warning after recording its warmest night on record, with overnight temperatures remaining above 26.3C.
The Czech Republic, Hungary and Moldova also remained under the highest level of heat alert, while Balkan countries prepared for several days of exceptionally hot weather.
Meteorologists attributed the conditions to a “heat dome” carrying hot air from North Africa. While such weather systems are not unprecedented, experts said the temperatures being recorded were exceptional.
Health services under pressure
The heatwave has caused widespread disruption and claimed lives across western Europe.
France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said at least 74 people had drowned since June 18, most in unsupervised rivers, lakes and ponds, with additional deaths occurring in private swimming pools.
Hospitals in Paris have become overwhelmed, according to Deputy Mayor for Health Antoine Alibert, who described the situation as a health crisis.
He told local media that stretchers were “piling up in the corridors”, emergency calls had surged and hospital admissions continued to rise.
The French Prime Minister’s Office said pressure on the healthcare system would remain high even as temperatures gradually eased.
Italy’s Health Ministry issued red alerts for 18 cities, including Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice, Turin, Bologna and Genoa, with temperatures forecast to reach as high as 39C.
Transport and infrastructure disrupted
Extreme temperatures disrupted transport and public services across Europe.
Germany’s national rail operator, Deutsche Bahn, allowed passengers to cancel long-distance journeys free of charge, citing risks to tracks, signalling systems and overhead power lines from intense heat, thunderstorms and wildfires.
Near Hamburg, part of the A7 motorway was closed after the asphalt cracked under the extreme temperatures.
In Prague, the city’s public transport operator reduced tram speeds because of concerns that overhead power lines could warp in the heat.
Authorities across the Czech Republic deployed water trucks to cool city streets and reduce ozone pollution.
Several festivals and public events installed misting systems to protect visitors from the heat.
France cancelled several outdoor events, including Paris’s annual Pride March, while street parties and music festivals were also called off in parts of Germany and the Netherlands.
Meanwhile, Budapest’s Pride March went ahead despite temperatures approaching 40C.
The Berlin Philharmonic also proceeded with its traditional open-air season finale, although musicians were allowed to perform in lighter clothing because of the extreme heat.
