All corners of the world sigh under exceptionally high temperatures
Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Western Europe, including Spain, France, Italy, and England, is experiencing exceptionally high temperatures, with some areas facing heatwaves.
- Several Asian countries, such as Vietnam and India, are also battling heatwaves and extreme temperatures, with New Delhi issuing warnings.
- Meteorologists attribute the unusual warmth in Europe to a persistent high-pressure system, a phenomenon expected to become more frequent due to climate change.
Much of Western Europe is sweltering under exceptionally high temperatures, with the first day of the year hitting record highs in the Netherlands and heatwaves gripping parts of Spain, France, Italy, and England. The extreme heat is not confined to Europe; multiple Asian nations are also experiencing intense heatwaves and record temperatures. In northern Vietnam, temperatures have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius for days, while New Delhi, India, has issued warnings for severe heatwave conditions.
Residents are seeking ways to cope with the heat. In New Delhi, people are trying to find relief near the Yamuna River, though some areas like Sanjay Lake have partially dried up, exposing dead fish. In Pakistan, people are cooling off in the Arabian Sea during the Eid al-Adha holiday. European cities are also seeing residents seek respite, with children playing in fountains in Germany and France, and people trying to stay cool in the shade or using fans.
Meteorologists explain Europe's unusually warm weather as the result of a 'heat dome,' where a high-pressure system lingers for an extended period. This phenomenon is predicted by researchers to occur more frequently as a consequence of climate change. The heat is impacting daily life, with people in Paris desperately searching for fans and air conditioners, and a woman in Milan seen carrying her dog to keep it cool. In London's metro, a woman uses a small fan, while in Lisbon, Portugal, temperatures reached 40 degrees Celsius for the first time in May.
The heat also highlights social issues. In Paris, protests have occurred during the heatwave, drawing attention to the living conditions of migrants and homeless individuals. Meanwhile, in Austria, the water levels in the river Wien have dropped significantly. In Rome, people shield themselves from the sun while waiting for Pope Francis's weekly audience.
Originally published by NRC Handelsblad in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.