Record-breaking Heatwaves Sweep Across Western Europe
Britain, France, Switzerland, and Germany all experienced record heat in June, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius. The heatwave linked to dozens of deaths in Western Europe is expected to move eastward as it rolls across Germany towards Poland.
A new German record of 41.3 C was reached near Saarbruecken on Friday, according to the National Meteorological Service. Extreme heat warnings were issued for nearly all of Germany, prompting authorities to urge people to save water.
In France, dozens of both young and old have died during the heatwave. Rail travel has been disrupted, power generation affected, alcohol bans imposed, schools suspended, and outdoor events postponed.
Karsten Brandt, a meteorologist at Donnerwetter.de, predicts that the heatwave will peak over the weekend in some parts of Germany, with temperatures well over 40 degrees.
The Ironman European Championship long-distance triathlon in Frankfurt shortened cycling and running courses due to the heat. Deutsche Bahn has given customers the option of cancelling long-distance travel bookings without charge, citing infrastructure strain from sun exposure and additional risk to signals, tracks, and overhead wires caused by thunderstorms and wildfires.
National Express suspended trains on its Rhine-Ruhr-Express line in North Rhine-Westphalia as a preventative measure. The German Association of Towns and Municipalities urged the public to use water sparingly due to the heatwave.
The World Meteorological Organization predicts that the present heatwave will shift by the end of the month, affecting Central Europe and the Balkans. Scientists say the heatwave would have been virtually impossible without man-made climate change.