Europe sizzles under heat wave, worse ahead
A powerful heat wave gripped much of Europe on Monday, with record-breaking temperatures, forest fires, and extreme weather alerts issued across several countries.
Warnings were in place for parts of Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, and the U.K., with forecasts predicting even higher temperatures by Wednesday before rain brings relief to some regions.
“Extreme heat is no longer a rare event — it has become the new normal,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned on X from Seville, Spain, where temperatures soared to 42 degrees Celsius (108 degrees Fahrenheit). He urged world leaders to act, adding, “The planet is getting hotter & more dangerous.”
Dr. Hans Kluge, head of the World Health Organization’s Europe office, echoed the concern, saying the scorching heat “silently threaten the people who need protection most: older adults, children, outdoor workers and anyone living with chronic health conditions.”
Portugal:
Authorities placed seven of the country’s 18 districts under a red heat warning, with temperatures expected to reach 43C (109F).
Spain:
Spain’s national weather service said no relief from the year’s first heat wave is expected until Thursday. Sunday marked the hottest June 29 on record since 1950, with a national average of 28C (82F).
France:
In France, where air conditioning remains rare, authorities increased efforts to protect homeless and elderly residents. Misting stations were set up along the River Seine in Paris.
Southern France experienced its first major forest fires of the season, burning 400 hectares (988 acres) of woodland in the Aude region. Regional emergency services deployed water-dumping planes and 300 firefighters.
Turkey:
Forest fires in Turkey forced the temporary closure of Izmir Airport, state-run Anadolu Agency reported. Authorities evacuated four villages as a precaution.
In Hatay province, near the Syrian border, fires broke out near residential areas, forcing 1,500 people to evacuate.
Italy:
Italy’s Health Ministry placed 21 cities under a “red” alert for “emergency conditions with possible negative effects” even for healthy, active individuals. Regional authorities in Liguria and Sicily restricted outdoor work.
Meanwhile, torrential rains in the north triggered flooding, with parts of Bardonecchia near Turin covered in sludge after the Frejus River overflowed. RAI state television reported one fatality.
Britain:
The U.K.’s national weather service said the Wimbledon tennis tournament could see its hottest-ever start, with temperatures just under 30C (85F). Players are allowed a 10-minute mid-match break if the temperature exceeds 30.1C.
Germany:
Southern Germany is bracing for temperatures up to 39C (102F) on Wednesday. Local authorities imposed restrictions on drawing water from rivers and lakes.
In Berlin, zoo staff cooled elephants with water showers and gave bears ice blocks filled with fruit.
Source: AP