Europe swelters as record-breaking heatwave shifts northeast

Europe is grappling with another scorching day as millions face record-breaking temperatures, with the heatwave extending its grip from France to the Balkans. The intense heat has put significant strain on health systems across the continent.

According to an AFP analysis of data, at least 193 million people in Europe, including 75 million in Germany, are experiencing temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). Projections indicate that over 404 million people will endure temperatures exceeding 30 C (86 F) across Europe, a slight decrease from the previous day.

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What is especially heavy for people is that it does not cool down at night. Many regions of the country will have tropical nights again.

The heatwave, which previously affected France, southern England, Spain, and Italy, is now migrating towards the northeast. However, maximum alert levels persist in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Hungary. Denmark and the Czech Republic have both registered their highest temperatures on record.

In Germany, the meteorological service DWD reported a temperature of 41.5 C (106.7 F) in Drewitz, surpassing Friday's record of 41.3 C. The DWD noted that the lack of nighttime cooling is particularly burdensome, with many regions anticipating "tropical nights." Similarly, the Czech Republic recorded an all-time high of 40.6 C in Doksany, breaking the previous record set in 2012. Denmark's DMI reported its hottest day since measurements began in 1874, reaching 36.6 C north of Odense.

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With 36.6°C north of Odense, we have the hottest day ever recorded since measurements began in 1874.