A brutal heatwave has gripped much of Europe this weekend, sending thermometers climbing well beyond what’s normal for late June. The scorching conditions are hitting hardest across southern and western regions, where Portugal, Spain, and France are seeing temperatures that could reach a staggering 113°F (45°C) in some spots.
What makes this heat particularly alarming is that temperatures are consistently 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (5 to 10 degrees Celsius) higher than what one would typically expect at this time of year. Unfortunately, this heat is also pushing steadily north and eastwards, with Greece already feeling the impact, and central European nations bracing for what’s coming their way.
Health system on high alert across Europe due to heatwave
Hospitals across the affected regions of Spain, Portugal, and France have been ramping up preparations for the inevitable surge in heat-related emergencies. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke cases typically spike during such extreme weather events, particularly among elderly residents, young children, and people with existing health conditions, as well as among tourists.
Health authorities are advising the public to consume plenty of water, find air conditioning or shade during the peak afternoon heat, and consider postponing any strenuous outdoor activities until late in the evening.
Across the Mediterranean and increasingly in areas further north, the combination of high temperatures and dry conditions has resulted in a tinderbox situation for wildfires.
Greek evacuations as fires raged
Greece is already dealing with the consequences of multiple wildfires that erupted across the country, with the areas south of Athens, particularly Palaia Fokaia, being hit particularly hard. The Greek capital itself saw temperatures approach 104°F (40°C) yesterday, while temperatures of southern regions were even higher. Despite the fact that temperatures in Greece will drop to more tolerable levels to around 95°F (35°C), northerly winds will significantly increase fire hazard in many places across the country.
Greek authorities and the Civil Protection agency issued a Level 4 wildfire warning for the Athens metropolitan area and various Aegean islands. Central Macedonia is also under the highest alert level for Saturday before the state of emergency.
According to the weather forecast, high temperatures across central, western, and southern Europe will continue well into next week, with the hot air mass making its way northwards and eastwards.
Germany and other central European countries that normally expect more moderate summer weather are now looking at the possibility of temperatures climbing to 104°F (40°C) by mid-week on Wednesday to Thursday.
Additionally, weather services across Europe have issued various heat warnings and health alerts. England, for instance, activated an Amber heat health alert on Saturday, as forecasters predict temperatures will climb significantly above 86°F (30°C) in the coming days—hot enough to pose real health risks in a country where such temperatures are uncommon.
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