Europe swelters as more heat records set to tumble

Europe is currently grappling with a punishing heatwave, prompting emergency responses and widespread warnings as temperatures climb toward historic levels. France's Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu was scheduled to hold a crisis meeting following a warning from the national weather agency, Meteo France, that the heat would persist into the following week. The agency described the current episode as comparable to major heatwaves in 2003 and 2019.

Forecasters predict temperatures between 39 and 40 degrees Celsius (102-104 F) stretching from the southwest through the Paris region into Burgundy by Sunday, with some areas potentially reaching 41C (105.8 F). Temperatures are expected to peak on Monday, possibly matching historic highs. In Germany, near-nationwide heat alerts are in effect, with temperatures approaching 38C (100.4 F). The German DWD weather service cautioned that the combination of heat and humidity could trigger severe thunderstorms.

“

comparable to major episodes in 2003 and 2019

In the United Kingdom, the Met Office forecasts temperatures could exceed 35C (95 F) on Tuesday and Wednesday in parts of southern England and Wales. The current record for June stands at 35.6C (96.1 F), set in 1976. Beyond the Alps, in Italy, temperatures reaching 36 to 37C (96.8-98.6 F) are transforming daily life and tourism. Visitors have been seen queuing under the intense sun outside the Colosseum in Rome, turning sightseeing into a test of endurance. Some seek refuge in the cooler underground spaces beneath the Temple of Claudius, while in Bologna, residents splash water at the Fountain of Neptune and shelter in the shade of porticoes.

Scientists emphasize that climate change is making heatwaves more frequent and intense across Europe, increasing the risk of health emergencies and economic disruption. Authorities in Paris have taken measures to mitigate the impact, such as keeping parks open around the clock. The economic consequences of extreme heat are also under scrutiny. The Governor of the Bank of France, Emmanuel Moulin, noted that while short-term effects on growth might be ambiguous due to factors like reduced productivity and increased energy consumption, heatwaves pose a significant drag on economic activity over the medium term.

“

short-term effects on growth were "somewhat ambiguous", citing both reduced productivity and increased energy use, but warned that over the medium term heatwaves weigh on economic activity.