A severe heat wave is sweeping across Europe, leading to tragic consequences. So far, at least four people have died in Spain, two in France, and two in Italy due to the extreme temperatures. This weather crisis has triggered health alerts, sparked wildfires, and even forced a Swiss nuclear power plant to shut down one of its reactors.
In Spain, officials reported that a wildfire in Catalonia claimed the lives of two individuals just a day earlier. Other deaths linked to the heat were reported in the regions of Extremadura and Cordoba. In France, the energy minister confirmed two heat-related fatalities, with around 300 others needing hospital treatment.
Italy is also feeling the heat, issuing red alerts for 18 cities as temperatures soar. In Germany, forecasts predict highs of 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), marking the hottest day of the year. Meanwhile, in Sardinia, two elderly men succumbed to the heat while at the beach.
The situation has prompted warnings from weather agencies. France’s Meteo France has issued red alerts in several central regions, and authorities are particularly concerned about the vulnerable populations, especially the elderly. French health minister Catherine Vautrin urged vigilance, anticipating severe impacts in the coming days.
Turkey, which faced wildfires earlier in the week, has reported that most of its blazes are now under control. However, the damage is already significant, with one fire in Catalonia destroying farms over a 40-kilometer stretch before it was contained.
The heat has also raised concerns about the potential for violent storms, especially in Italy, France, and Germany. In the French Alps, storms have already caused mudslides, disrupting rail services between Paris and Milan.
The extreme temperatures have led to operational changes in Switzerland, where the Beznau nuclear power plant had to reduce output due to high river water temperatures used for cooling. This situation is expected to continue as authorities monitor the heat.
Economically, the impact of this heat wave could be substantial. Allianz Research has predicted a slowdown in economic growth, estimating that one day of temperatures above 32 degrees Celsius could be as damaging as half a day of strikes for businesses.
Climate scientists warn that heat waves are arriving earlier than in previous years, with some regions experiencing temperature spikes of up to 10 degrees Celsius. This phenomenon is attributed to warming seas, which create a heat dome over Europe, trapping hot air.
In light of these events, Inger Andersen, the executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme, emphasized that extreme heat is challenging our resilience and threatening health and lives. She noted that we can no longer be surprised by record temperatures each year.
As people in Germany flock to swimming pools and lakes to escape the heat, many schools have closed. The Eiffel Tower in Paris has temporarily shut its upper floors, and the Atomium in Brussels has also closed early as a precaution.
This summer has already seen Spain experience its hottest June on record, while France recorded its hottest June since 2003. As the heat wave continues, the situation remains dire, with authorities urging everyone to take precautions and stay safe.