Europe Swelters as Temperatures Surpass 40 Degrees Celsius; Denmark Sets New Record

Europe is enduring a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring past 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in several countries over the weekend. Germany and the Czech Republic have both recorded temperatures above this threshold, marking a historic heat event for the region. In Germany, the weather service reported a high of 41.5 degrees Celsius in Drewitz, while Prague, Czech Republic, saw temperatures reach 40.9 degrees Celsius.

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The record lasted for exactly one hour.

Denmark has also set a new national record, with temperatures reaching 37 degrees Celsius in northern cities like Aarhus and Odense. This surpasses the previous record of 36.4 degrees Celsius set in 1975. Meteorologists suggest that reaching 40 degrees Celsius in Denmark is only a matter of time. Other nations, including Hungary and Switzerland, are also experiencing extreme heat, with Budapest and Basel nearing 40 degrees Celsius.

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Reaching 40 degrees Celsius in Denmark is only a matter of time.

The intense heat is attributed to an atmospheric phenomenon known as an "Omega block," which traps hot air masses originating from North Africa over Europe. This has led to widespread heat warnings across Germany, with Berlin deploying water cannons to help citizens cool down amidst temperatures reaching 39 degrees Celsius. Katrin Göring-Eckardt, a member of the German Bundestag, described the heatwave not as pleasant summer weather but as a "serious health crisis."

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It feels like I'm slowly melting. It's better now after getting in the water.

While the extreme heat is expected to gradually subside over the weekend in some western European areas, temperatures remain high, with many places still experiencing heat around 35 degrees Celsius. Italy has issued red alerts for heat in 18 cities, including Milan and Rome. Scientists warn that global warming is exacerbating these extreme weather events, potentially leading to more frequent, longer-lasting, and more intense heatwaves in the future. The World Meteorological Organization has expressed concern about the "serious impact" this year's heatwaves will have on health and ecosystems.

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This heatwave is not pleasant summer weather. It is a serious health crisis.