A blistering heatwave has gripped Europe, with France experiencing an alarming level of heat alerts affecting 84 of its 96 departments. The country's Climate Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher labeled the situation "unprecedented," as southern and eastern Europe swelters under extreme conditions. Heat warnings extend to Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, the UK, and parts of the Balkans.
Spain and Portugal faced record-breaking June temperatures, with highs reaching 46C in Andalucía and 46.6C in Portugal. The persistent heat has forced nearly 200 schools in France to close partially or entirely as authorities urge people to stay indoors. Education Minister Elisabeth Borne is collaborating with local authorities to facilitate childcare options during the scorching period.
Multiple forest fires erupted in southern France, leading to the evacuation of residents and temporary road closures. Fortunately, fire crews have managed to contain the blazes. In Italy, cities like Rome and Milan are on the highest heat alert, witnessing a surge in hospital visits due to heatstroke symptoms.
Similar extreme conditions are being reported across the UK and other regions, with temperatures exceeding 34C potentially recorded soon. Anabel Sanchez, a 21-year-old from Seville, shared how the heat has severely affected her health and concentration, a sentiment echoed in Portugal where many areas remain on high alert.
The heatwave is also causing ecological stress, with invasive species threatening marine ecosystems due to rising sea temperatures, alongside accelerated glacier melting in the Alps. Climate experts note that while it’s challenging to link individual weather events to climate change directly, the frequency and intensity of heatwaves have evidently increased in recent years.
