Record heat grips Europe as France, Belgium issue alerts
According to Meteo-France, the national thermal indicator reached 29.6C, surpassing the previous record set in 2019. By the evening, more than 330 temperature records had been broken, including over 130 all-time highs, with temperatures exceeding 44C in some areas.
The extreme heat prompted authorities to activate emergency health measures, while hospitals reported a sharp rise in dehydration and heat-related illnesses. More than 1,800 schools were closed and thousands of others adjusted schedules as 58 departments remained under the highest heat alert.
Belgium braces for record-breaking temperatures
Neighboring Belgium has issued a nationwide orange heat alert, with temperatures expected to climb to 37C on Thursday and potentially reach 39C in some areas later in the week.
Authorities have activated emergency measures and warned that exceptionally warm nights could also break national records, with temperatures forecast to remain as high as 28C overnight. Health officials urged residents to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight and take precautions to protect vulnerable groups.
Red Cross warns of growing health risks
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) called on Europeans to take the heatwave seriously, warning that extreme temperatures pose significant risks, particularly for older people, children, pregnant women, outdoor workers and those with chronic illnesses.
The organization said volunteers across Europe are conducting welfare checks, distributing water and operating cooling centers as temperatures continue to rise. The IFRC warned that climate change is making heatwaves more frequent, longer-lasting and more intense, describing extreme heat as a major humanitarian challenge facing the continent.
Source:AA
