Europe endures record heat as WMO warns continent is fastest-warming region
Europe is experiencing one of its most intense heat waves on record, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in several countries as authorities issue red alerts, warn of heightened health risks and prepare for increased wildfire danger.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says Europe has warmed by around 2C over the past 30 years, making it the fastest-warming region in the world. WMO climate monitoring chief John Kennedy said the continent is seeing exceptionally high temperatures, with new records being set almost daily.
He said one of the greatest risks comes from persistently high nighttime temperatures above 20C, which prevent the human body from recovering from daytime heat, increasing the risk of illness and death, particularly among older adults, children, pregnant women and outdoor workers.
Climate change intensifying extreme heat
According to the WMO, the current heat wave has been strengthened by an Omega blocking weather pattern, which traps hot air over Europe while drawing even warmer air northward from North Africa.
Although no formal attribution study has yet been completed for the ongoing event, Kennedy said previous research consistently shows that human-induced climate change has made similar heat waves more intense and more likely.
A separate study by World Weather Attribution (WWA) described the current event as Europe's most severe heat wave on record, concluding that such temperatures would have been virtually impossible 50 years ago and are now significantly more likely because of fossil fuel-driven climate change.
The researchers also found that many European capitals experienced their hottest three-day June period since records began in 1950, warning that extreme heat is becoming increasingly frequent.
Countries issue highest-level warnings
The heat wave has prompted widespread emergency measures across Europe.
In the United Kingdom, temperatures climbed to 37.3C in eastern England, setting a new June record after the previous record was broken multiple times within a single day. The Met Office also issued thunderstorm warnings for parts of the country as cooler air begins to move in.
Austria has issued its highest heat warning for Vienna and large parts of the northeast, with temperatures forecast to approach 40C and officials warning that the country's all-time heat record could be broken. Authorities have also raised wildfire alerts in eastern regions, where hundreds of firefighters remain on standby.
Belgium also recorded its hottest day of the year, with temperatures expected to reach 40C in some areas. Red heat alerts, smog warnings and disruptions to transport, public services and outdoor events have been reported, while political leaders renewed calls for stronger climate adaptation measures.
France has placed more than 50 departments under its highest-level red heat alert, while Spain has also recorded temperatures above 40C.
Health risks and outlook
Kennedy said improved forecasting now enables governments to anticipate heat waves up to 10 days in advance, allowing authorities to issue warnings and implement protective measures.
He urged people to avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours, stay hydrated, remain in cool environments and regularly check on vulnerable people.
The WMO also recalled Europe's deadly 2003 heat wave, which claimed an estimated 70,000 lives, warning that the full health impact of the current event will only become clear after mortality data are analyzed.
Seasonal forecasts indicate a high probability of above-average temperatures across Europe for the remainder of the summer, raising concerns that further periods of extreme heat are likely in the coming weeks.
Source:AA
