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Europe on high alert as prolonged heatwave set to break June records
๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท Greece /Disasters & Emergencies

Europe on high alert as prolonged heatwave set to break June records

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Europe is on high alert due to an extended heatwave expected to break June records.
  • Several countries have implemented restrictions, including alcohol bans in France and canceled outdoor gatherings in Spain.
  • Scientists attribute the intensifying extreme weather events, particularly heatwaves, to climate change caused by human activity.

Europe is bracing for a prolonged and potentially record-breaking heatwave, with meteorologists issuing warnings from Britain to the Balkans. The continent is on high alert as temperatures are expected to soar, potentially shattering all previous records for the month of June. This marks the second heatwave to hit Western Europe in less than a month.

Scientists emphasize that climate change, driven by human activities, is intensifying extreme weather phenomena, with heatwaves becoming particularly severe. In France, where temperatures are reaching 40ยฐC, 35 departments are under maximum alert. President Emmanuel Macron urged citizens to look out for the elderly, children, and vulnerable individuals. Alcohol consumption has been banned in "red alert" areas, and some "orange alert" departments, with further deterioration expected.

Spain is also experiencing intense heat, with temperatures around 40ยฐC. Outdoor gatherings have been canceled, including the screening of a football match in Madrid. Thirteen regions are on "orange alert," and the Basque Country is under the highest "red alert." Portugal anticipates temperatures up to 42ยฐC, with the hottest days expected imminently. In Switzerland, MรฉtรฉoSuisse warns of a strong, indefinite heatwave with temperatures between 34-37ยฐC, placing Basel on "red alert."

Britain's Met Office has issued an "orange alert" for Wednesday and Thursday, forecasting extreme heat in central and southern England and Wales. This follows a late May heatwave that saw the country record its warmest May day with temperatures reaching 35ยฐC in London. Croatia and Serbia have also placed some regions on "orange alert."

The situation is really worse than before. But we endure. We have no other choice but to adapt to the heat. It is really difficult to endure such heat.

โ€” Edith SalvaterraA 75-year-old resident from Moura, southern Portugal, describes the difficulty of enduring extreme heat, noting that her village has recorded temperatures above 45ยฐC in recent years.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.