Europe Heatwave: Europe is currently gripped by one of the most severe heatwaves in recent years. A new study published on Friday revealed that temperatures in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and southern England were recorded at 5°C to 12°C above the seasonal average.
According to researchers from ‘World Weather Attribution,’ what makes this June heatwave particularly dangerous is not just the extreme daytime heat, but also the persistent nighttime heat and high humidity. This prevents the body from cooling down sufficiently, thereby significantly increasing health risks.
Europe’s Record-Breaking Heatwave Raises Concerns
Researchers analyzed temperature data and weather forecasts regarding the heatwave that began on June 18. They concluded that this is the most severe and humid heatwave ever recorded in Europe.
According to the European Union’s ‘Copernicus Climate Change Service,’ Europe is the fastest-warming continent in the world; since the 1980s, the rate of temperature rise there has been roughly double the global average.
Climate Change, Not El Niño, Behind the Heatwave
Theodore Shepherd, a study co-author and research associate at Imperial College London, stated, “This was the most intense heatwave for any time of year, not just for June.” He added, “June is warming faster than any other month, and such temperatures are now expected to occur regularly,” as reported by Bloomberg. Researchers attributed the extreme temperatures to climate change and ruled out the cyclical influence of the emerging El Niño pattern.
Record Heat Stress in 45% of European Cities
A study reveals that in 45% of the 854 cities across 30 European countries, records for ‘Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature’ have either already been set or are expected to be broken soon. Notably, ‘Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature’ measures heat stress and the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating.
Carolina Pereira, a researcher at the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre and co-author of the study, said, “Many people still live, work, and study in places that were not designed for the temperatures we are currently facing.”
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How Are European Countries Coping with Heatwaves?
As people sought relief in rivers, lakes, and canals, several drowning incidents were reported in Germany and France; air conditioning is not widely used in France. To keep crowds cool and protect them from heat exhaustion and life-threatening heatstroke, ‘misting stations’ have been installed at famous tourist sites like the Eiffel Tower. According to the World Health Organization, more than 200,000 people across Europe have died from heat-related causes over the past four years.
France Issues ‘Red Alert’ for Heatwave; Schools Closed
The French government banned alcohol consumption in areas under ‘red alert’ to “maintain emergency services and allow medical staff to focus on caring for the most vulnerable.” Amidst the extreme heat, officials not only announced school closures but also deployed emergency services and the military to prepare for potential wildfires. Additionally, the French government is monitoring water supplies for several of the country’s nuclear reactors. Meanwhile, Spanish authorities banned outdoor sports and cultural activities, while Italy and the UK issued heat warnings.
(With agency inputs)