Europe is facing one of the most intense heat waves in recent years. Temperatures are breaking records in many countries, hospitals in France are under increased pressure, while experts warn that in some areas the mercury could even exceed 40 degrees Celsius.
The extreme heat continues to affect much of western and central Europe, with more than 100 million people having endured extremely high temperatures for days. In several regions, temperatures are exceeding 35 degrees Celsius, creating serious difficulties in daily life as well as increased pressure on public services.
At the same time, a new scientific study links the intensity of the phenomenon to climate change, noting that Europe is among the regions warming the fastest on the planet. According to the data, nearly half of the 850 largest cities on the continent are experiencing the highest heat stress ever recorded.
France Under Pressure – Emergency measures and increased hospital admissions
France is already in its eighth consecutive day of intense heatwave, despite a slight drop in temperature caused by local rainfall in some areas.
The healthcare system is under strain, as emergency rooms are receiving an increasing number of patients suffering from heat exhaustion, dehydration and respiratory problems. Most are elderly or belong to vulnerable groups.
Authorities have implemented emergency protective measures. These include a ban on the consumption of alcohol in public places after 6:00 p.m., while citizens are urged to drink plenty of fluids and avoid unnecessary travel during the hottest hours of the day.
The mayor of Paris, Emmanuel Grégoire, spoke of an increase in heat-related deaths, emphasizing that protective measures are absolutely necessary.
At the same time, the death of an 18-month-old infant has caused shock; the child was found suffering from heatstroke inside a parked car, in the parking lot of a university hospital in Marseille.
Record-breaking temperatures in many countries – Warnings of even more difficult days ahead
Switzerland recorded a temperature of 38.8 degrees Celsius, setting a new record for the month of June.
A similar situation was observed in Britain, where the mercury reached 36.7 degrees Celsius in the southwestern regions. This is the highest temperature recorded in June since 1976. The relevant authorities maintained heat wave warnings for the third consecutive day .
In Germany, meteorologists estimate that in some areas temperatures may even exceed 40 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, authorities in Cologne are warning of an increased risk of swimming in rivers, as incidents of drowning are on the rise.
The heat wave continues in Italy as well. In Rome, Greenpeace activists, together with labor unions, released a video showing delivery drivers and construction workers laboring under extreme temperatures.
Thermal cameras recorded ground temperatures ranging from 36 to nearly 100 degrees Celsius, while the Italian capital was under a red alert for the heatwave.
