Europe Shatters Temperature Records as Deadly Heatwave Spreads East

Europe is grappling with a deadly heatwave that has shattered temperature records from Scandinavia to the Alps, with dozens of deaths reported. Temperatures soared above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in many areas, setting new all-time records in Germany, Denmark, and the Czech Republic, and a new June record in Switzerland. France and Britain had already seen records broken earlier in the week.

Scientists emphasize that such extreme heat, including the unusually high night-time temperatures, would have been virtually impossible without human-caused climate change. "This heat isn't pleasant summer weather. It's a health crisis," said Katrin Goering-Eckardt, a German lawmaker.

The heatwave is causing widespread disruption. In Berlin, where temperatures reached 39 degrees Celsius, police used water cannons to cool down crowds. Germany's Meteorological Service reported a preliminary new record of 41.5 degrees Celsius in Saxony-Anhalt, surpassing a record set just the day before. Denmark's Meteorological Institute recorded its highest temperature since 1874.

Across the continent, the extreme temperatures are straining infrastructure and impacting daily life. Hungary's Paks nuclear power plant reduced output due to the heating of the Danube River, and Switzerland's Beznau nuclear power station temporarily shut down reactors because of the temperature of the Aare River. In France, over 40-degree heat has disrupted rail travel and power generation, leading to alcohol bans, suspended classes, and postponed events. Italy's health ministry issued a red alert for 18 cities, warning of severe heat risks.

“

This heat isn’t pleasant summer weather. It’s a health crisis.