European Health Authorities Brace for Worst-Recorded Heatwave
A killer heatwave has been progressing across Europe, prompting alcohol bans in France and cracking road surfaces open in Germany. Temperatures have broken records in Britain and France, with readings of 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) expected in Italy over the weekend.
At least 55 deaths linked to the heatwave have been reported in France, where Paris hit a record-breaking 40.9 C on Wednesday. Authorities brace for more casualties despite temperatures easing.
Cultural landmarks and farms across Europe have been affected by the extreme heat. Major events like Solidays music festival were canceled, while the Pride festival was rescheduled.
In Germany, the A2 motorway experienced severe damage as road surfaces buckled and ruptured over several lanes on Thursday evening, injuring two people and forcing highway closure.
Britain’s Met Office extended a red heat alert into Friday for southern England, marking the first time such warnings have been issued for three consecutive days. The Netherlands was under a rare ‘code red’ extreme heat alert with temperatures up to 40 C expected, leading many schools to close.
In Serbia, an amber alert was issued as temperatures reached around 36 C, prompting officials to advise people to stay indoors during the hottest hours.
Air conditioning sales surged in Britain and Asia. In France, EDF pledged €80 million ($90 million) for cooling systems in schools, kindergartens, and day-care centers.
The heatwave has pushed temperatures up to 18 degrees above seasonal averages, driven by an Omega block weather pattern. Scientists say the record-breaking heatwave would have been “virtually impossible” without human-caused climate change.
French authorities banned alcohol consumption in public during France’s World Cup match against Norway, with hospitals ill-prepared for the strain on emergency services and mental health of healthcare workers.